Nursing Home Neglect is serious. It is serious for those being abused, those abusing and those failing to report the abuse. If you believe a person 65 years or older, or an adult with disabilities is being abused, neglected, or exploited, report it to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). Obviously, you need to call 911 or your local law enforcement agency if the situation is a life threatening or emergency situation.
When the time comes for a loved one to live in a nursing home, it is often difficult. Concern about whether they will be cared for properly and treated with respect should not be part of the equation. Nursing homes are paid to provide quality care. When they do not, something should be done. Out of fear of retaliation, the nursing home resident may not report abuse or neglect. They are dependent on the nursing home and its employees. The last thing they want to do is lose what care they are receiving. For this reason, it is incumbent on those who visit the home to keep a look out for problems and report them as soon as they have concerns.
You can use the Texas Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Reporting System website for reporting suspicions of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of children, adults with disabilities, or people who are elderly (65 years or older) or call the Report Abuse, Neglect, or Exploitation hotline at 1-800-252-5400 .
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) Consumer Rights and Services also takes complaints about the treatment of people who receive services in long-term care facilities or in their homes.
Complaints (reports of abuse):
1-800-458-9858
Nursing Home Information:
1-800-252-8016
Medicare has a tool to compare nursing homes you may also be helpful – Medicare Nursing Home Finder.
When nursing home negligence results in injuries and deaths, you should not hesitate to hire a lawyer.
We have experience with cases involving nursing home neglect, and if you or your family member has been seriously injured or died as a result of nursing home neglect and need a Texas attorney, please do not hesitate to give East Texas Attorney, Chris Jones, Board Certified Personal Injury Trial Law, a call at 903-236-4990 for a free initial consultation or send us a message at Contact Us.
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