When someone reports an incident of neglect or abuse in a Kentucky nursing home, the state has a protocol it follows to investigate matters. If you suspect that a caregiver isn’t treating your loved one with care and respect, Kentucky nursing home abuse lawyers also can help investigate the case and defend your loved one’s rights.
Making a Formal Complaint of Nursing Home Abuse
Whenever anyone suspects that an elderly person is being abused, neglected or exploited, they must report it to the authorities. When you make your complaint, you’ll be asked to provide information, such as:
- the contact info of the caregiver;
- your loved one’s age;
- the nature and extent of the abuse, neglect or exploitation, and any evidence of previous incidences; and
- the identity of the perpetrator, if known.
It’s a good idea to provide any information that you think might help authorities get to the bottom of the case, and you can remain anonymous if you like.
Handling the Complaint
When the authorities receive a complaint, they are granted the right to enter the nursing home and begin an investigation. They’ll also have access to the financial and medical records of your loved one so they can better investigate the situation.
Upon receiving the complaint, authorities will:
- notify law enforcement within 24 hours;
- notify all other authorized agencies;
- make an initial assessment and write a report on the findings;
- work with law enforcement, social workers, ombudsmen, Kentucky nursing home abuse lawyers and medical professions as necessary; and
- provide protective services when needed.
If the investigation shows that protective services are necessary, the caretaker cannot interfere when the authorities come in to provide protection. As soon as you file your complaint, the investigation will ensue; fortunately, the person responsible for the abuse will not be allowed to prevent or escape a formal investigation.
If the caregiver tries to prevent any KY Cabinet representative from entering the nursing home or other health care facility while they’re trying to conduct the investigation, a warrant will be issued so the representative can gain entrance.
Protecting the Elderly
Kentucky’s laws protect the well-being and integrity of the elderly population, and lawmakers often will consult with local agencies to promote the awareness of elderly abuse.
It’s not uncommon for KY officials to try to prevent elderly abuse by working with advocacy groups, such as:
- long-term care ombudsmen;
- law enforcement agencies;
- transportation service providers; and
- charitable and faith-based organizations.
Kentucky receives nearly 10,000 reports of elderly abuse each year, according to the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Human Services.
With the help of the Cabinet and your attorney, you can work to prevent further abuse. Throughout the investigation, you’ll want to work closely with your lawyer to help bring the responsible parties to justice.
Your loved ones deserve the highest level of care and respect. If you suspect any type of neglect or abuse in a Kentucky nursing home, immediately contact authorities; it could help save your loved one’s life.
Has Your Loved One Been Injured In A Nursing Home?
If you believe your loved one is being subjected to nursing home abuse you need to speak with an experienced Kentucky nursing home neglect attorney as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our office directly at 888.450.4456 to schedule a free consultation.