Quick answer: Report nursing home abuse or neglect to your state’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman (find yours at ltcombudsman.org), your state Health Department, and Adult Protective Services (1-800-677-1116). For immediate danger, call 911. For financial exploitation, also contact your state AG. Reports can be made anonymously in most states.
Nursing home residents have federally protected rights under the Nursing Home Reform Act and state law. Abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation are crimes — not just policy violations. Multiple agencies can investigate and act: the Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates directly for the resident, the state Health Department can inspect and sanction facilities, and Adult Protective Services handles abuse cases. Filing with all three gives the best outcome.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Physical abuse signs include unexplained bruises, cuts, burns, or fractures; signs of restraint on wrists or ankles; a resident flinching around certain staff. Neglect signs include bedsores (pressure ulcers), poor hygiene, weight loss, dehydration, soiled clothing, and missed medications. Emotional abuse includes a resident appearing fearful, withdrawn, or agitated, especially around specific staff. Financial exploitation includes unexplained withdrawals, missing valuables, sudden changes to wills or powers of attorney, and unpaid bills despite adequate funds. Sexual abuse, though less discussed, is also reportable and investigated by law enforcement.
Where to Report Nursing Home Abuse
📄 Download Free Reporting Checklist
Get our step-by-step checklist as a quick reference guide
Get Your Free Checklist →| Situation | Agency | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Immediate danger / physical abuse | 911 / Local police | Call 911 |
| Abuse, neglect, or exploitation | Long-Term Care Ombudsman | ltcombudsman.org (find your state) |
| Adult Protective Services | Eldercare Locator | 1-800-677-1116 | eldercare.acl.gov |
| Facility licensing violations | State Health Department | Search “[your state] nursing home complaint” |
| Financial exploitation | State Attorney General | Search “[your state] elder financial abuse” |
| Medicare/Medicaid facility fraud | HHS OIG | 1-800-447-8477 | oig.hhs.gov |
How to Report Nursing Home Abuse Step by Step
- Call 911 for immediate danger. If a resident is in immediate physical danger, being assaulted, or has a life-threatening injury, call 911 first. Law enforcement can also refer the case to APS and begin a criminal investigation.
- Document everything you observe. Write down dates, times, specific observations, names of staff present, and anything the resident told you. Photograph visible injuries such as bruises, bedsores, or signs of neglect. This record is critical for investigators.
- Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman. Find your state’s ombudsman at ltcombudsman.org. Ombudsmen are resident advocates — they visit facilities, investigate complaints, and can escalate to regulatory agencies. They are often the fastest route to immediate intervention.
- Call Adult Protective Services. Dial 1-800-677-1116 (Eldercare Locator) to be connected to your local APS. APS investigates elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation whether in a facility or at home.
- File with your state Health Department. State health departments license and inspect nursing homes. A complaint triggers an unannounced inspection — facilities can be fined, put on special monitoring, or lose their license. Find your state’s complaint portal by searching “[your state] nursing home complaint.”
- Report financial exploitation to the state AG. If you suspect a staff member, facility, or third party has stolen from or financially manipulated the resident, file with your state attorney general’s elder financial abuse unit.
- Report Medicare/Medicaid fraud to HHS OIG. If the facility is billing Medicare or Medicaid for care not provided or is submitting fraudulent claims, report to the HHS Office of Inspector General at 1-800-447-8477 or oig.hhs.gov.
- Consider moving the resident. If the situation is serious and not being resolved, consult with the ombudsman about transferring the resident to another facility. The ombudsman can help navigate transfer rights.
Nursing Home Residents’ Rights (Federal Law)
Right to be free from abuse: Federal law (42 C.F.R. § 483.12) prohibits all forms of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and involuntary seclusion in Medicare- and Medicaid-certified facilities.
Right to complain: Residents have the right to voice grievances without fear of retaliation. Retaliating against a resident for making a complaint is a federal violation.
Right to refuse treatment: Residents have the right to refuse medication and treatment. Forcing medication or treatment without consent may constitute abuse.
Consequences for Abusive Facilities
Civil money penalties: CMS can fine facilities up to $21,393 per day for serious violations or $2,143 per instance for less serious ones.
Loss of certification: Facilities that fail to correct serious violations can be decertified from Medicare and Medicaid — effectively shutting them down.
Criminal prosecution: Staff who commit physical or sexual abuse face criminal prosecution in all 50 states. Many states have specific elder abuse statutes with enhanced penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
For related guides see: How to Report Elder Abuse, How to Report Medicare Fraud, How to Report Disability Fraud.
Independent resource — not affiliated with any U.S. government agency. Last reviewed: June 2026.
This guide is a supporting article in our pillar resource covering all elder abuse types, every federal agency, and all 50 state contacts.
How to Report Elder Abuse & Senior Fraud: Complete U.S. Guide →Rules and complaint offices vary by state. Use our state lookup to find the correct reporting agency, phone number, and complaint portal.
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