When you place your trust in a nursing home to care for your loved one, you expect that family member to be safe, well-cared for, and treated with dignity. Unfortunately, circumstances arise that in certain nursing homes that put the residents at risk for harm.
Maybe the facility is not clean, residents seem neglected, or you suspect abuse. If you’re worried about unsafe living conditions in a nursing home, you need to speak up. Reporting issues can protect your loved one and others experiencing the same problems.
Here is a look at how to report unsafe living conditions in a nursing home.
Signs of Unsafe Living Conditions
Nursing homes should be clean, safe, and provide proper care. If you notice any of these warning signs, it could mean serious problems that need to be addressed.
Poor Hygiene and Unsanitary Conditions
A strong odor of urine or feces lingering in hallways or rooms is a major red flag. All residents should have clean clothes, fresh bedding, and access to proper hygiene. It could indicate neglect if bathrooms, dining areas, or common spaces are dirty or poorly maintained. A facility that is overrun by pest infestations, like bugs or rodents, is another serious concern.
Neglect or Lack of Proper Care
Residents should never be left alone for long periods. If you notice people calling out and being ignored, it is a sign of understaffing or neglect. Sudden weight loss, dehydration, or malnutrition are also warning signs. Bedsores, infections, or untreated medical conditions point to poor medical care.
Physical, Emotional, or Financial Abuse
Unexplained bruises, cuts, or burns could mean physical abuse. Emotional abuse is harder to see but just as harmful. You will want to pay attention if residents seem fearful, withdrawn, or anxious around certain staff members. Financial abuse can also happen, so watch for missing personal items or unexplained withdrawals from accounts.
Safety Hazards
Nursing homes should be designed to prevent falls and injuries. Poor lighting, broken handrails, or wet, slippery floors put residents at risk. If you see residents wandering outside unsupervised or into restricted areas, it may mean the facility lacks proper security.
Speak up and take action to protect your loved one and others in the facility.
What to Do If You Suspect a Problem
If you notice any of these issues, take action. Here’s what you can do to make sure your concerns are heard and addressed.
Document Everything
Before filing a complaint, gather as much information as possible. Make sure to note what you see, including dates, times, and specific details about the conditions or incidents.
Along with that, take photos or videos. Visual evidence can be powerful. You may even want to talk to other residents and families. They may have noticed the same issues. Also, save medical records or written communications. If you’ve reported the problem before, keep copies of any responses.
Report the Issue to Nursing Home Management
The first step is to bring your concerns to the nursing home’s administrator or director of nursing. Sometimes, problems can be addressed internally. During the meeting, you need to explain what you have noticed and why it concerns you.
You should never rely on verbal promises. Make sure to request a written response to your complaint. This holds them accountable and gives you documentation if the issue does not get resolved. It is also important to follow up. If conditions do not improve, you may need to escalate your complaint.
Contact West Virginia’s Office of Health Facility Licensure & Certification (OHFLAC)
OHFLAC oversees nursing home inspections and investigates complaints about substandard care. There are two ways to make a complaint:
- Call (304) 558-0050 or toll-free at 1-800-642-8686
- File an online complaint at the website
They will investigate your complaint and may conduct an unannounced inspection of the facility.
Reach Out to the West Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
This program advocates for nursing home residents and can help resolve issues. You can call
(304) 558-3317 or visit the website.
Report Abuse to Adult Protective Services (APS)
If you suspect physical abuse, neglect, or exploitation, contact APS immediately. You can reach the office through a 24-hour hotline: 1-800-352-6513.
File a Complaint with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
If the nursing home receives federal funding, CMS can step in to investigate and resolve issues. They can be reached at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or by filing an online complaint.
Contact Local Law Enforcement
If a resident is in immediate danger or a crime has occurred, call 911 or your local police department’s non-emergency number.
What Happens After You File a Complaint?
Once you report the issue, here’s what you can expect:
- Investigation: The agency handling the complaint will review the situation. They may visit the facility, interview staff and residents, and check records.
- Corrective actions: If violations are found, the nursing home may be required to fix the problems within a certain timeframe.
- Penalties: In severe cases, the facility could face fines, loss of certification, or even closure.
What If the Problem Continues?
You should never give up if conditions don’t improve or you feel your complaint wasn’t taken seriously. You can reach out to a nursing home abuse lawyer. They can help you determine what steps to move forward.
No one deserves to live in unsafe or neglectful conditions, especially in a place meant to provide care and support. If you suspect something isn’t right in a West Virginia nursing home, speak up.
At DiPiero Simmons McGinley & Bastress, PLLC, we know that these are unacceptable living conditions for anyone, and we will fight to help your loved ones regain their dignity.
