Seek Advocacy
If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse or neglect, there are several important steps to take and services to contact.
Please note that if you or another person are in imminent danger, call 911.
Click through the tabs below.
Ombudsmen are an important point of contact when issues arise in long-term care facilities, but it must be understood that their abilities are limited. Ombudsmen do not have the authority to demand action or change, and are only permitted to attempt advocacy for residents. Ombudsmen will attentively hear your concerns and convey them to the respective facility, aiming to facilitate resolution; however, the ultimate responsibility for taking action or implementing any changes rests with the facility.
Long-term Care Ombudsmen (LTCO)
Long-term care Ombudsmen act as advocates for individuals in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other care homes. There are both state and local Ombudsmen you can contact. They are the official advocates provided for residents and attempt to voice your complaint to improve care quality. They can also provide education on organizations like family or resident councils.
- Click the link for more information: Long-term Care Ombudsmen
- Click the link to locate your state and local ombudsman: National Consumer Voice find LTCO
Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsmen (MBO)
Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsmen (MBO) act as advocates for those who have Medicare. An MBO essentially makes sure you are receiving the Medicare services you have a right to be getting. They ensure you get the appropriate health services and offer protection against unethical practices.
- Click the link: CMS information on Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsmen
Depending on what state you reside in, different areas of Social Services will have varying roles concerning elder abuse or neglect. For example, in California (CA), reports of elder abuse or neglect in facilities are managed by Social Services, whereas CA Adult Protective Services is responsible for addressing these issues in the community. Contacting Social Services directly is the best way to find out which department is appropriate.
Health Departments and Social Services
Medicaid and Adult Protective Services work to protect the vulnerable and those in need, while supplying them with support and assistance. Each state has their own Department of Social Services (DSS) and Department of Health (DH).
Please follow the links below to find your state’s agencies.
- Click the link: Social Services by state
- Click the link: Department of Health by state
Adult Protective Services
Adult Protective Services (APS) investigates reports of abuse or neglect (including exploitation) of the elderly population (60 and older). To address abuse, exploitation or neglect of the elderly population, APS can intervene in the living situation, healthcare or legal action that may be needed. They can provide home care, food and nutrition services and additional aid. APS is located through your state’s Social Services agency (linked above).
- Click the link to find your state’s APS: National Adult Protective Services Association
Social Workers
The majority of long-term care facilities have a social worker on staff. The role of social workers in the occurrence of abuse or neglect of long-term care residents is not nationally defined, but they are typically required to report knowledge or suspicion of abuse or neglect to Adult Protective Services or Long-term care Ombudsman. Depending on the circumstances, the facility social worker may be a source of support in your pursuit of action and advocacy.
The below link can help identify more agencies and programs by zip code.
- Click the link: Benefits Checkup
The below link provides a 10-30 minute survey that identifies the best government social services for you.
- Click the link: Benefits Finder
While Ombudsmen are typically the primary advocates for residents of long-term care facilities, some facilities and hospitals have patient advocates.
Patient Advocates or Representatives
Most hospitals have patient advocates (or patient representatives). Patient advocates help get patients the care they want and deserve. Patient advocates will stand up for patients, listen to their needs and help them navigate the healthcare system.
The Patient Advocacy Foundation helps patients and caregivers address issues they encounter in healthcare.
Phone: 1-800-532-5274
Click the link: The Patient Advocacy Foundation
Being an advocate for someone (or yourself) can be challenging. Depending on the circumstances, it may be beneficial to connect with staff and attempt an amicable solution. Studies show that long-term care facilities are grossly understaffed and patient care sometimes suffers, because staff are faced with an impossible task. While this is not always the case, the system and lack of regulation is to blame in these situations and not the staff efforts. In addition to considering increased communication with staff, the below may assist in advocating for residents.
Power of Attorney (POA)
Medical Power of Attorney is when someone else is given the ability to make medical decisions for another person. A medical POA makes decision on medical care like treatment or surgery, but also has a say in specifics of care for individuals. This can include what the individual eats, who bathes them, what physicians they have or where they live. If you want have more ability in these areas, a medical POA might be a consideration. Depending on your location, this might be referred to as a durable power of attorney.
Financial Power of Attorney is not necessary for advocacy, but can help if you are attempting to apply for public benefits on the behalf of someone else. This includes Medicaid and veteran benefits. In addition to this, Financial Power of Attorneys file taxes for individuals and can facilitate their payment for healthcare or other needs like housing. If helping your loved one manage their finances is something they would like, then a financial POA might be a consideration.
There are also situations were both of these can be combined in a type of dual POA, but further consultation would be needed.
Every state will have different avenues for obtaining POA’s, but typically, you must fill out a free form with a witness and submit it.
Conservatorship/Guardianship
Depending on your state, a conservatorship or guardianship may be an option for you to obtain the power to advocate for another individual. These are mostly enacted when another individual is not capable of managing their affairs. They are frequently used when someone is attempting to remove another person from POA. Forms for these roles involve a substantial amount of work and can be lengthy, so they are not always the preferred route when pursuing advocacy. Depending on your state, a petition needs to be filed with the Circuit Court of which the individual lives and a hearing will take place. Conservatorships/Guardianships are typically only advised if there are no other options. Obtaining 2 letters from doctors that discuss the individual’s state and ability to advocate or care for themselves is advisable. This will help establish whether the individual is in need of a conservatorship/guardianship.
Weinberg Center Shelter
A shelter that provides a safe place for those experiencing elder abuse to stay for short period of times. This shelter is located in the Bronx of New York, but they also provide a 24-hour referral hotline.
Temporary Housing and Shelters
Finding housing for displaced senior citizens or those seeking shelter after abuse or neglect can be challenging. The following links and contacts provide resources that can assist in locating housing for elderly individuals.
1. For emergency housing or help locating a shelter, call 211
2. Senior Housing Programs and Shelters
- Click the link: Programs for the Elderly
3. Emergency Housing Guide
- Click the link: Assisted Living
Eldercare Locator
As a part of the US Administration of Aging, Elder Locator helps locate services for the elderly and their family or caregivers. These services include local support through agencies, community organizations, training, education and caregiver options. Meals, care and transportation are just some of the services they can assist with for those in need.
Click the link: Eldercare Locator
Phone: 1-800-677-1116
The National Center on Elder Abuse
The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) does not file complaints or reports, but can offer you advice and guidance on how to advocate for your loved one.
Click the link: National Center on Elder Abuse
Phone: 1-855-500-3537
Attorney Representation
While it can be difficult finding the right attorney or one who will take your case on contingency (no up-front fees to you), they can assist not only in pursuing action, but also in explaining your rights and options. To explore this option more, please see number 12 in the Take Action section of this website.
This website serves solely as a supplementary and educational resource. It does not offer direct advice or recommendations for individual situations. Additional research should be conducted, in addition to seeking official and professional guidance. Federal, state, and local services should always be consulted for appropriate assistance and guidance. Additionally, professional health, legal, and government services should always be consulted, as this website does not serve as a substitute for them. While efforts are made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, this website cannot guarantee the accuracy or currency of the content. It is encouraged that users verify information with relevant authorities or professionals. Please note that if you or someone you know is in imminent danger, call 911.