When our loved ones require the care and support of a nursing home, we trust these facilities to protect their safety, dignity, and well-being. If you or a loved one have seen signs of neglect or abuse at a nursing home in Missouri, you may file a report using the Missouri Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline’s online reporting system or by calling the hotline directly at (800) 392-0210. The state’s online reporting system is available 24/7, 365 days per year.
Our nursing home abuse lawyers in St. Louis and Kansas City can also help you or your loved one seek justice and compensation through a lawsuit. Call (800) 536-4357 or contact us online for a free consultation.
- Report suspected abuse or neglect – Report suspected abuse or neglect in a nursing home through Missouri’s Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline by calling 800-392-0210 or using its online reporting system.
- Recognize signs of abuse or neglect – Signs of abuse and neglect include unexplained injuries, poor personal hygiene, untreated medical conditions, withdrawal from social activities, and unexplained mood changes.
- Submit detailed reports – Anyone can report suspected elder abuse in Missouri. Include as much information as possible in your report to facilitate an investigation, including names, addresses, descriptions of abuse, and any evidence.
What Is Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse?
Nursing home neglect refers to a nursing home’s failure to provide appropriate care to a resident. It typically involves staff failing to provide basic necessities to your loved one, such as food, water, medical care, or personal hygiene products. Nursing home abuse takes many different forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, or financial abuse.
Signs of Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse
Recognizing the common signs of neglect and abuse will allow you to intervene and report a nursing home before further harm occurs. There are many signs of neglect and abuse to look for, including:
- Unexplained injuries, such as bruises, cuts, or fractures
- Poorly managed personal hygiene, such as unwashed hair or dirty clothes
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Untreated medical conditions, such as bed sores or bladder infections
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Sudden mood changes, such as persistent agitation, fearfulness, or depression
- Unexplained financial changes or lost personal belongings
- Unsafe living conditions
- Lack of basic clothing, bedding, or medical supplies
It is important to take immediate action if you suspect nursing home abuse, but who do you report abuse to in a nursing home? If you are unsure of who to report abuse to in a nursing home, start with the director or most senior official.
You can then file a report through the state hotlines. Be sure to document your observations and report your concerns as soon as possible. If you notice signs of nursing home abuse or neglect, consult with our nursing home abuse lawyers for help.
How Do I Report Elderly Abuse and Neglect?
You may file a report in Missouri using the state’s Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline. The hotline accepts reports via its online reporting system 24/7, 365 days per year. You may also submit a report by calling (800) 392-0210. If you do not wish to use the hotline, contact local law enforcement to file a report.
Who Can Report Elderly Abuse and Neglect?
Anyone in Missouri who suspects that someone is experiencing abuse or neglect can report their concerns. If something does not feel or look right, it is wise to investigate further. You do not need 100 percent certainty of abuse or neglect to file a report. State and local officials will investigate the matter and keep you anonymous.
While anyone can report elder abuse and neglect, you should know that some individuals are mandatory reporters. This means they have a legal obligation under Missouri law to report abuse or neglect if they reasonably suspect it. Mandatory reporters include many different professionals, such as doctors, social workers, and law enforcement officers.
What Information Is Required for a Report?
When reporting suspected elder abuse or neglect, providing accurate and detailed information will help state or local officials take appropriate action. Whether you are contacting the Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline or local law enforcement, be prepared with specific information to help a later investigation. Important information to communicate in your report includes:
- A name and description of the abused or neglected individual
- The name and address of the nursing home or facility
- A description of the suspected abuse or neglect
- Information about the alleged perpetrator
- An explanation of the perpetrator’s relationship with the victim
- Any evidence or documentation, such as photographs of injuries or medical reports
- Contact information of any witnesses
You are not required to have all this information to file a report. State and local officials will fill in the gaps during their investigation.
What Happens After I Make a Report?
Your report will go through an investigatory process once it is submitted. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) or local law enforcement agency will review the information you provide. An investigation may be initiated within hours to days, depending on the urgency.
Investigators may meet with the impacted individual, conduct interviews, or review medical records as part of their investigation. If abuse or neglect is discovered, officials will take steps to prevent further harm. DHSS may also offer support services to victims, such as counseling.
How Common Is Nursing Home Abuse in Missouri?
Rates of abuse are high in nursing homes. In the past year, two in three nursing home staff reported committing abuse, and 1 in 6 people over age 60 worldwide were victims of abuse in their community. In Missouri alone, the Division of Senior and Disability Services investigated over 25,000 reports of suspected abuse each year from 2013 to 2016. While not all reports conclude with a formal finding of abuse or neglect, this alarming statistic shows just how prevalent allegations of elder abuse and neglect are in Missouri.
How Our Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Can Help
If you suspect that a loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, our nursing home abuse lawyers in St. Louis and Kansas City can protect their rights. Our team of attorneys will navigate the complexities of elder abuse law on your behalf. We can help by:
- Evaluating your case and the suspected abuse or neglect
- Explaining the laws that may apply to your case and your legal rights
- Reviewing medical records and gathering evidence
- Interviewing witnesses of the abuse
- Consulting with medical experts
- Partnering with law enforcement
- Advocating for victims in legal proceedings
- Negotiating an abuse and neglect settlement
- Seeking compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses resulting from abuse or neglect
- Evaluating how long your abuse and neglect case may take
- Making sure your case is filed before the statute of limitations
- Holding wrongdoers accountable
Schedule Your Free Consultation with Brown & Crouppen Today
Brown & Crouppen is a full-service personal injury law firm. Our nursing home abuse lawyers specialize in protecting the rights of those who have suffered at the hands of negligent nursing homes. With over 40 years of experience, our team has recovered over $1 billion in settlements and verdicts for our clients, including victims of elder abuse and neglect.
We are committed to providing top-tier legal representation to every client and proudly offer free consultations. Call (800) 536-4357 or contact us online to schedule yours and learn about your legal options.
