What Should I Do if I Suspect Nursing Home Abuse? 10 Critical Steps to Take Now

That sick feeling in your stomach when you notice something’s wrong with your loved one.

The unexplained bruises. The fear in their eyes. The way they flinch when certain staff members walk by.

Maybe it’s the sudden weight loss, the bedsores that seem to appear overnight, or the way they beg you not to leave during visits.

Your instincts are telling you something terrible is happening. And you’re probably right.

At The Higgins Firm, we’ve walked alongside hundreds of Tennessee families who have faced this nightmare. We know that the first few hours and days after you suspect abuse are critical—not just for your loved one’s safety, but for building a strong legal case.

Here are the most important steps you must take right now if you suspect nursing home abuse.

Top 10 Things to Do Immediately If You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse

1. Trust Your Instincts and Take It Seriously

Don’t second-guess yourself. Don’t let facility staff convince you that what you’re seeing is “normal” or “part of aging.”

If something feels wrong, it probably is. Your loved one is counting on you to speak up when they can’t protect themselves.

Red flags to watch for:

• Unexplained injuries or bruises
• Sudden behavioral changes
• Fear of certain staff members
• Poor hygiene or neglect
• Medication errors
• Rapid weight loss or dehydration

Trust what you’re seeing. Your loved one’s safety depends on it.

2. Document Everything Immediately

Start creating a paper trail right now. Evidence has a way of disappearing once facilities know you’re paying attention.

Document:

• Photos – Take pictures of injuries, living conditions, and anything that looks wrong
• Written records – Keep a detailed journal of incidents, dates, and staff involved
• Medical records – Request copies of all medical files and care plans
• Witness information – Get names and contact info of anyone who saw what happened

Time-stamp everything and store copies in multiple locations.

3. Get Your Loved One Medical Attention

If your loved one has injuries, get them medical attention immediately—preferably from a doctor who doesn’t work for the nursing home.

Why this matters:

• Independent medical evaluation of injuries
• Documentation of abuse-related trauma
• Treatment for any neglected conditions
• Creation of objective medical records

Don’t let the facility convince you their “house doctor” can handle everything. Get an outside opinion.

4. Report to Adult Protective Services Immediately

Call Tennessee Adult Protective Services right now: 1-888-277-8366

This isn’t optional. It’s required by law, and it creates an official record of your complaint.

What APS will do:

• Launch an immediate investigation
• Interview your loved one and witnesses
• Inspect the facility
• Coordinate with law enforcement if needed
• Take emergency action to protect your loved one

Don’t wait. Make the call today.

5. Contact Law Enforcement if Crimes Have Occurred

If you suspect physical abuse, sexual abuse, or theft, call local police immediately.

When to involve police:

• Physical injuries that appear intentional
• Sexual assault or inappropriate touching
• Theft of money or belongings
• Threats or intimidation
• Any other criminal activity

Nursing home abuse is often a crime, not just a civil matter. Let law enforcement investigate.

6. Notify the Tennessee Department of Health

Report the facility to the state licensing agency: Tennessee Department of Health

Contact information:

• Online: Tennessee.gov
• Phone: 615-741-7221

The state has the power to investigate, cite violations, and shut down dangerous facilities.

7. Preserve All Evidence

Don’t let the facility destroy or hide evidence of abuse.

Preserve:

• Medical records and care plans
• Incident reports
• Staff schedules and training records
• Video surveillance (if available)
• Witness statements
• Photos of injuries and conditions

Important: Once you report abuse, facilities often try to clean up their act or hide evidence. Act fast.

8. Remove Your Loved One if Necessary

If your loved one is in immediate danger, get them out of there.

Options include:

• Transfer to another facility
• Temporary hospital admission
• Taking them home with home health care
• Emergency placement in a safer facility

Don’t leave them in a dangerous situation while investigations drag on.

9. Contact an Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

Call a lawyer who specializes in nursing home abuse cases immediately.

Why you need legal help:

• Preserve evidence before it disappears
• Navigate complex legal procedures
• Hold all responsible parties accountable
• Maximize compensation for your family
• Ensure the facility faces consequences

Remember: Tennessee gives you only one year from discovering abuse to file a lawsuit. Don’t wait.

10. Stay Involved and Keep Monitoring

Don’t assume that reporting the abuse will automatically fix the problem.

Continue to:

• Visit regularly and unannounced
• Monitor your loved one’s condition
• Follow up on investigations
• Document any retaliation or continued problems
• Consider moving to a safer facility

Your ongoing involvement is crucial for your loved one’s safety.

What NOT to Do When You Suspect Abuse

Don’t Confront the Facility First

Going to the facility administration before reporting to authorities gives them time to:

• Destroy evidence
• Coach the staff on what to say
• Transfer or fire potential witnesses
• Create false documentation

Report to authorities first, then deal with the facility.

Don’t Accept Excuses

Facilities will try to explain away obvious signs of abuse:

• “She bruises easily”
• “He’s confused and making things up”
• “It was an accident”
• “The staff member has been disciplined”

Don’t buy it. Get an independent investigation.

Don’t Wait for “More Evidence”

You don’t need to prove abuse beyond a reasonable doubt before taking action. Suspicion is enough to start the reporting process.

Waiting for more evidence could put your loved one at greater risk.

Don’t Handle It Alone

Nursing home abuse cases are complex. You need professional help from:

• Adult Protective Services
• Law enforcement
• Medical professionals
• Experienced attorneys

Don’t try to investigate or resolve this on your own.

Tennessee Laws That Protect Nursing Home Residents

Mandatory Reporting Requirements

Under Tennessee Code § 71-6-103, certain professionals are required to report suspected abuse:

• Healthcare workers
• Social workers
• Nursing home employees
• Law enforcement officers

If these professionals fail to report, they can face criminal charges.

Criminal Penalties for Abuse

Tennessee Code § 71-6-117 makes nursing home abuse a Class E felony punishable by:

• Up to 6 years in prison
• Fines up to $3,000
• Permanent criminal record

Civil Remedies

You can pursue civil lawsuits for:

• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Punitive damages
• Wrongful death (if applicable)

How Quickly Should You Act?

Immediately. Every hour you delay could mean:

• More harm to your loved one
• Loss of critical evidence
• Witnesses forgetting important details
• The facility covering up what happened

Don’t wait until tomorrow. Don’t wait until you have “more proof.” Act now.

Common Mistakes Families Make

Mistake #1: Believing the Facility Will Self-Report

Nursing homes are businesses. They’re not going to report their own staff for abuse unless they’re legally required to do so.

Mistake #2: Accepting Promises to “Fix the Problem”

Empty promises don’t protect your loved one. Only official investigations and legal action create real change.

Mistake #3: Waiting for the “Right Time”

There’s never a convenient time to deal with nursing home abuse. But every day you wait is another day your loved one remains in danger.

Mistake #4: Assuming Someone Else Will Handle It

Don’t assume other family members, the ombudsman, or facility staff will take action. You need to be the advocate your loved one needs.

FAQs

What if my loved one has dementia and can’t tell me what happened?

Many abuse victims have dementia or other cognitive impairments. Look for physical signs, behavioral changes, and patterns that suggest abuse. You don’t need verbal confirmation to take action and report suspected abuse.

Can the nursing home retaliate against my loved one if I report abuse?

Retaliation is illegal under federal and state law. If you suspect retaliation, report it immediately to Adult Protective Services and law enforcement. Document everything and consider removing your loved one from the facility.

What if I’m not sure whether what I’m seeing is actually abuse?

When in doubt, report it. Adult Protective Services and law enforcement are trained to investigate and determine whether abuse occurred. It’s better to report suspected abuse that turns out to be nothing than to ignore actual abuse.

How long do investigations take?

Adult Protective Services investigations typically take 30-60 days. Law enforcement investigations can take longer depending on the complexity of the case. Don’t wait for investigations to conclude before taking steps to protect your loved one.

What if the facility says they’ve “handled” the problem internally?

Internal discipline is not enough. Abuse should be reported to authorities regardless of what the facility claims to have done. Only official investigations can determine what really happened and ensure appropriate consequences.

Can I sue even if criminal charges aren’t filed?

Yes. Criminal cases and civil lawsuits are separate proceedings with different standards of proof. You can pursue a civil lawsuit even if prosecutors decide not to file criminal charges.

The Higgins Firm: Your Advocate in the Fight for Justice

When you suspect nursing home abuse, you’re not just fighting for your loved one—you’re fighting against a system that often protects facilities over residents.

At The Higgins Firm, we’ve spent years learning how to expose nursing home abuse and hold facilities accountable. We know the warning signs, the evidence to look for, and the legal strategies that work.

When you call us, we’ll:

• Help you take immediate steps to protect your loved one
• Guide you through the reporting process
• Launch our own investigation to gather evidence
• Work with medical experts to document abuse
• Build a strong legal case for maximum compensation
• Fight aggressively to ensure justice is served

We’ve recovered millions for Tennessee families affected by nursing home abuse. We know how to make facilities pay for their failures.

Don’t Wait Another Day

If you suspect your loved one is being abused or neglected in a Tennessee nursing home, every moment counts.

Your loved one is counting on you to be their voice when they can’t speak for themselves. Don’t let them down.

Call The Higgins Firm today for a free consultation.