How to Report Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect in Missouri & Kansas

Reporting Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect in Missouri & Kansas

It is difficult to imagine why someone would abuse or neglect an elderly person or a nursing home patient. Unfortunately, as nursing home abuse lawyers, we know that the unthinkable happens every day. All too often, family members are unaware that the nursing home professionals who they trust to care for their loved ones are the individuals abusing or neglecting their family members. 

How can you protect your loved one from nursing home abuse in Missouri and Kansas? Knowing the signs of elder and nursing home abuse helps you know when someone is hurting your loved one. Also, knowing who to contact to report nursing home abuse and the steps to take to protect your loved one is essential. Reporting nursing home abuse and neglect is not only important for your loved one but also will help prevent the abuse of other patients.

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect in Missouri & Kansas

Nursing home and elderly abuse are common throughout Missouri and Kansas. Some of the common signs of nursing home abuse are:

• Repeated falls or unexplained injuries, including lacerations, bruises, fractures, and broken bones
• Pressure ulcers and bed sores
• Unexplained weight loss
• Dehydration and malnutrition
• Infections, including sepsis or sexually transmitted diseases 
• Changes in personality and mood
• Depression and anxiety
• Fear of being left alone with staff members
• Brain and head injuries
• Signs of restraint, especially around the ankles and wrists
• Fear of being touched, including flinching when you try to touch them
• Begging not to be left at the nursing home
• Sedating a patient without a reasonable explanation

There are many other signs of abuse or neglect in a nursing home. Family members should try to visit as often as possible and notate any changes in mood or physical condition. Changes that staff members are not able to reasonably explain could be an indication of nursing home abuse and neglect. 

If you believe that your loved one is in immediate damage, call 911 to report the elder abuse and request immediate assistance. 

How to Report Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect in Missouri & Kansas

In addition to seeking emergency assistance, you can also report nursing home abuse and neglect to the appropriate state agency. When you file a complaint or report for suspected nursing home abuse, you need to be prepared to provide detailed information including:

• The victim’s name, gender, age, and current condition
• The name, address, and telephone number of the nursing home or long-term care facility
• The abuser’s name and any information you know about the person
• The reason you suspect that the person is being abused, neglected, or exploited
• Your name, contact information, and relationship to the individual
• Any other information that is relevant or helpful

In most cases, it is helpful to have the information written down when you call so that you can quickly and efficiently provide the necessary information so that the agency can open a case and begin an investigation.

• Reporting Nursing Home Abuse in Missouri

In Missouri, you can report abuse, neglect, and exploitation of an elderly or disabled person to the Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services through their online portal. The online portal is used for non-emergency reports. The online portal is available 24/7, but is it only monitored during hotline hours.

You can also call the Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 800-392-0210. Hotline hours are seven days a week from 7:00 a.m. through midnight. 

• Reporting Nursing Home Abuse in Kansas

In Kansas, contact the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services to report abuse, neglect, or exploitation by a nursing home, medical care facility, adult care facility, or home health agency. The toll free number is 800-842-0078. The hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. 

If the abuser is not a resident of or on the staff of the facility, you can report the abuse to the Kansas Department for Children and Families by calling 1-800-922-5330. Complaints regarding the quality of life and care in a nursing home may be filed with the Kansas Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program by calling 1-877-662-8362.

Do I Need a Kansas City Nursing Home Abuse Attorney?

When you suspect nursing home abuse or you become aware that your loved one is the victim of elder abuse, it can be difficult to think clearly. Panic, anger, and fear may cloud your judgment. If your family member is in danger, call 911 to report the abuse. The priority is to stop the abuse and ensure that your loved one received immediate medical attention and is in a safe location.

Even in non-emergency situations, it can be difficult to know what to do. Getting a free consultation from a nursing home abuse attorney in Missouri or Kansas can be helpful. A nursing home abuse lawyer understands the laws related to abuse and neglect claims. He or she also knows what steps you need to take to protect your loved one now and in the future.

Your loved one may have legal claims against one or more parties. It is important to protect those rights. A nursing home abuse lawyer in Kansas City can guide you through the process of filing claims against the nursing home and other parties seeking compensation for damages. 

Filing a claim against a long-term care facility serves several purposes. First, it can provide compensation for your family member that can help pay for medical expenses, personal care, and moving expenses. Second, it identifies the parties responsible for the abuse. By doing so, you may save another elderly person from abuse by these parties in the future. 

Contact Our Kansas City Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

The Law Office of Kevin J. McManus handles nursing home abuse and elder abuse cases in Missouri and Kansas. Call 816-203-0143 now for a free consultation to discuss how we can help you seek justice for your loved one.