A Reporting Primer

Hold My Hand

   In the previous post we talked about the distinctions between unacceptable quality of care issues in residential facilities and criminal abuse or neglect. With regard to elder abuse, regardless of where it takes place, or whether it is or is not criminal, here is an excellent site that offers resources for elders, families and friends: 

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/elder_abuse_physical_emotional_sexual_neglect.htm

    In addition, I promised to offer state-by-state, information and instructions for reporting abuse and neglect, particularly in residential care. The following link offers this information and may be downloaded as in portable document format: 

http://www.americanbar.org/content/dam/aba/migrated/aging/docs/MandatoryReportingProvisionsChart.authcheckdam.pdf

The moral arc of the universe bends at the elbow of justice.  -Martin Luther King, Jr.

       As we discussed last week, If you suspect a family member, friend or neighbor is suffering neglect or abuse in residential care, report it immediately to supervisory staff in the facility, to medical personnel, to the management of the facility. If there are indications the neglect and/or abuse rises to generally accepted definitions of criminal behavior, go a step further. Report the matter to law enforcement and government agencies, keeping in mind timeliness is critical. With government agencies, use telephone reporting, e-mail or electronic forms advisedly. By this I mean, even detailed electronic messages with attachments may not receive the attention they deserve.

  If this is a criminal matter, reporting effectively and immediately may very well be a question of life or death for the patient. Memorialize all conversations you have in writing. In this telecommunications era, many of us have lost touch with the local post office. This is a time to certify correspondence and mail it, return receipt requested. Keep hard copies of everything you send and receive, including mail receipts. Purchase some inexpensive file folders or a ring binder, a hole punch and an inexpensive photo album. Organize your documentation and evidence, to have it immediately accessible.

     Finally, follow through promptly, if possible, in person. Do not be intimidated; you are interested in getting at the truth and arriving at an outcome for someone who needs your help. Personally I am not merely persistent, I'm tenacious, like a bulldog with a bone. Whether it is your nature to confront problems head-on, or not, this is the time not to be swayed. This is the time to persevere.