What do I do about neglect and abuse in a nursing home?

mvi0707, take a clue from your sister.... she wants to remain in this nursing, so her feelings are the main issue right now.

Those patients with balance issues will fall, it's a given. I see from your profile that your sister had a stroke, so I can understand how mobility would be difficult for her. She might be forgetting she cannot do what she did before the stroke. My Mom was the same way with her medical condition.

Who is telling you that your sister is being abused, and harassed? If it is your sister telling you, was there any memory issues involved when she had a stroke? If yes, then it is not unusual for a patient to misunderstand what is happening to them. And the fact that she wants to stay in this nursing home tells me she likes being there.

This could be a situation where the nursing home likes having your sister as a resident, but it is the family that is creating issues. Just food for thought. The fact that your family is being harassed could be the clue. Is there more than one family member with contact to the nursing home? It would be best if only the Power of Attorney is the main contact and if that person is good at remedying problems.

Nicely said. My Mom had falling issues and she was placed in a type of wheelchair where she was able to scoot around. With her Dementia she felt she was capable of walking. Explaining she couldn't fell on deaf ears. They were not allowed to restrain her but did have an alarm that told them when she was trying to get out of her chair. Maybe u need to sit down with the staff and find out where they are coming from. Residents can't be watched constantly. Things happen. I agree that only one person should be the contact and the spokes person.

What movement disorder?

I'm very sorry that your sister is in this situation; but glad that she has you to act as her advocate, at least.

I wonder if the heart of the matter might be that the NH does not want your sister to stay because they can't provide the level of care and support she needs. You're already stating that she has suffered physical abuse, whereas they claim that the injuries she's sustained were the result of mobility problems, do they? What do you think they should have been doing to keep her safe that they weren't already doing?

But whether or not it's possible or desirable for her to stay living where she is, she is still entitled to be in a safe environment and protected from abuse. If you go online to Texas Health and Human Services and search "How Can I Report Abuse, Neglect or Exploitation?" you will see all the information there.

I am so very sorry to hear this! In our state, the Department of Public Health oversees nursing homes and there is an investigating unit that will receive and follow up on complaints. In my months of research on nursing homes for my mother, I discovered a website where I could read the complaint reports on nursing homes in this state (personal information on patients is redacted). (Right now I can’t find it, of course.) I wish you and your sister well!