Discovering that a loved one may be suffering from neglect in a nursing home is deeply upsetting, and far too common. Families trust care facilities to treat residents with compassion, respect, and professionalism. When that trust is broken, it’s important to act quickly and decisively. If you’re asking yourself how to report nursing home neglect, this post will walk you through each step and explain your legal rights.
At Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen, we’ve been advocating for victims of nursing home abuse and neglect for over 40 years. We’re here to help families in Kansas City hold negligent facilities accountable and seek justice for their loved ones.
What Is Considered Nursing Home Neglect?
Neglect is a form of elder abuse. It occurs when a facility fails to provide adequate care or supervision, resulting in harm or a serious risk. Unlike physical abuse, neglect is often passive, meaning staff may not act maliciously but fail to meet essential duties.
Examples of nursing home neglect include:
- Failing to provide food, water, or medications;
- Ignoring hygiene needs or leaving residents in soiled clothing;
- Allowing bedsores to form due to a lack of repositioning;
- Failing to assist with mobility, causing falls or injury;
- Ignoring symptoms of illness or infection; and
- Leaving residents unattended for long periods.
Neglect can result in physical harm, emotional trauma, and even death. That’s why it’s critical to know what to do if you suspect nursing home neglect and take action quickly.
Common Signs of Nursing Home Neglect
Neglect isn’t always easy to spot, especially if the victim is nonverbal or cognitively impaired. Warning signs may include:
- Sudden weight loss or dehydration,
- Bedsores or pressure ulcers,
- Poor hygiene or unclean living conditions,
- Unexplained injuries or repeated falls,
- Withdrawal or depression,
- Fearfulness around staff, and
- Delayed medical care.
If something feels wrong, trust your instincts. Families are often the first to notice subtle changes that signal a deeper problem.
What to Do if You Suspect Nursing Home Neglect
If you suspect neglect, you don’t have to wait for proof to act. Here’s what you should do.
1. Document Everything
Take notes, photos, and videos (if possible) of any signs of neglect. Include dates, names of staff, and a timeline of what you’ve observed.
2. Speak to the Facility Administrator
Express your concerns and request an immediate explanation. Sometimes neglect results from understaffing or miscommunication, and you can resolve the issue internally, at least temporarily. However, if your concerns are not taken seriously or the problem continues, formal reporting is critical.
3. Contact the Ombudsman Program
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program in Missouri or Kansas can investigate complaints and advocate on behalf of nursing home residents. In Kansas City, you can reach out to your local agency to connect with an ombudsman.
4. File a Complaint with the State
You can file a formal complaint with the appropriate state agency, depending on whether the nursing home is located in Missouri or Kansas.
In Missouri, the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) investigates reports of abuse or neglect through its Division of Regulation and Licensure. To report nursing home neglect in Missouri, call the Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-392-0210 (available 24/7)
In Kansas, nursing home complaints are handled by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS). KDADS investigates abuse, neglect, and exploitation in long-term care settings. To report potential elder abuse in Kansas, call the Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Hotline at 1-800-842-0078 (available 24/7).
If you’re unsure which agency to contact, our legal team can help guide you through the reporting process and help ensure the complaint reaches the proper authorities.
5. Contact a Nursing Home Neglect Attorney
An attorney can guide you through your options, conduct an independent investigation, and help you seek justice. In some cases, filing a civil lawsuit is the most effective way to hold the facility accountable and prevent harm to others.
How to Report Nursing Home Neglect Anonymously
You do not need to identify yourself when filing a complaint with most agencies. You can report neglect anonymously if you fear retaliation or simply wish to maintain your privacy. However, including your contact information can help investigators follow up and gather critical details.
What Happens After You Report Nursing Home Neglect?
Filing a report is just the first step. Many families are unsure what comes next or how long an investigation will take. After you submit a complaint in Kansas or Missouri, here’s what typically happens:
- Initial screening. The agency will determine if the complaint involves a regulatory violation or criminal conduct. If it does, an investigation is opened.
- On-site investigation. Investigators may visit the facility, often unannounced, to inspect records and speak with staff, residents, or witnesses.
- Findings and enforcement. If violations are found, the facility may be cited, fined, or required to implement corrective actions. Severe cases may be referred to law enforcement.
- Family notification. In most cases, the reporting party will be notified of the findings, but details may be limited due to privacy laws.
While these investigations are important, they do not guarantee compensation for your loved one’s suffering. If you suspect serious harm, consulting a nursing home neglect attorney may be necessary to protect your family’s rights.
Can You Sue for Nursing Home Neglect?
Yes. When neglect leads to serious harm or death, families may be eligible to pursue a civil lawsuit. A nursing home neglect claim can provide compensation for:
- Medical expenses,
- Pain and suffering,
- Disability or loss of quality of life,
- Emotional distress, and
- Wrongful death damages (if the resident dies due to neglect).
A nursing home neglect settlement can also lead to long-term policy changes within the facility, improving care for future residents.
Why Choose Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen
Our firm has spent decades helping Kansas City families fight for justice after medical negligence and elder abuse. We have the resources to:
- Investigate suspected neglect thoroughly,
- Consult with medical and long-term care experts,
- Negotiate aggressively with nursing homes and insurers, and
- Take your case to trial if necessary.
Our attorneys are not only skilled litigators—they’re compassionate advocates. We handle these sensitive cases with the care and discretion they deserve. If you’re unsure where to turn, we’re here to help you take the next step.
Take Action Today—Your Loved One Deserves Better
If you’re wondering how to report nursing home neglect, the time to act is now. Whether you need to file a complaint, seek legal advice, or both, you don’t have to do it alone.
Contact Dempsey Kingsland & Osteen at 816-421-6868 for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll help you understand your options, protect your loved one, and hold negligent facilities accountable. Let our experienced attorneys and in-house medical team support you every step of the way.
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