How to Report Nursing Home Abuse in New Mexico

What is the Biggest Complaint for Nursing Homes in New Mexico?

Nursing homes have been known to get complaints for neglect, abuse, dehydration, and financial abuse. In New Mexico, one of the biggest types of complaints is neglect. Neglect can be caused by a lot of potential issues. Understaffing or undertrained staff in nursing homes can lead to serious resident injuries and even death.
While nurses are required by law to report instances of abuse and neglect in nursing homes, they don’t always do so, out of fear of losing their jobs.
If you suspect a loved is being neglected or abused in a nursing home, there are steps you can take to ensure their safety and that they get the care they need.

In The Article

When to Report Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect

If you suspect neglect or abuse in a nursing home, report it immediately. While you don’t have to make the phone call while you’re visiting your loved one, you should file the report within 24 or 48 hours of your visit. This will keep information fresh in your head and allow you to give specific details regarding your complaint.

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home abuse can present itself in many ways. That’s why knowing the signs of nursing home abuse can help you know when to report the facility your loved one is at.

Signs of potential nursing home abuse and neglect can include:

• Unexpected weight loss
• Bedsores
• Mouth sores
• Dirty rooms or unsensitized areas
• Improper food temperatures
• Unexplained physical injuries
• Broken bones
• Dehydration
• Malnutrition
• Infections
• Changes in mood or personality

If a resident is self-reporting injuries, abuse, or neglect to you, be sure to ask them specific questions, and file a report as soon as you can, especially if that resident is able to show you proof of the neglect or abuse, such as bruising, dirty areas, or eyewitness account.

What Are Red Flags in a Nursing Home?

While there are a lot of signs of nursing home abuse and neglect when your loved one is a resident, sometimes trying to spot red flags in nursing homes before you admit your loved one can help you avoid the pain and anguish of a loved one being injured in a nursing home.

While you’re shopping around for the right nursing home in New Mexico, here are a few things to look for, and how to look for them:

• Do a Google search of the facility that you are thinking about. Look for news articles and potential reports of abuse or neglect in the nursing home.
• Ask to tour the facilities. Look for dirty areas, offensive odors when you pass patient rooms, and bug infestations.
• If possible, ask friends about facilities they may recommend or their experiences with nursing homes in the area.

How to Anonymously Report a Nursing Home

Sometimes, you may not feel safe directly reporting a nursing home for neglect or abuse, or maybe you don’t feel like your loved one will be safe if you file a report. Should you have any reservations about making a report, you can anonymously report a nursing home through the New Mexico Human Services Department. However, it’s important to note that the Human Services Department will need some way to get in touch with you to verify the complaint or abuse report.

If you type “Anonymous” in the name line, and “Do not wish to answer” on other lines, you can submit your report. You will need to include at least one accurate means of communication to allow the department to reach you to ask any questions. Should you wish to remain anonymous, tell them that you don’t want to share your information or the information of residents or patients to protect yourself and them.

What to do After Reporting Nursing Home Abuse

After reporting nursing home abuse or neglect, finding a New Mexico nursing home abuse lawyer can help you protect you and your loved one’s rights. The experienced nursing home attorneys at Ron Bell have fought big insurance companies and neglectful nursing homes before. We don’t back down from a fight, and we will fight for your loved one to ensure they get the compensation they deserve. Call today for your free case evaluation 898-BELL.