A Step-by-Step Guide to Protecting Your Loved One and Pursuing Justice

If you suspect that a loved one is being mistreated in a nursing home, it can be an overwhelming and emotional situation. Sadly, nursing home abuse—ranging from physical neglect to emotional and even financial exploitation—is more common than many people realize. According to the World Health Organization, 1 in 6 people aged 60 or older experienced some form of abuse in community settings during the past year, and that number may be underreported in long-term care facilities.

Taking swift, informed action is the best way to protect your loved one and ensure accountability. This guide walks you through the essential steps—starting with how to identify abuse and ending with how to seek justice.

Step 1: Recognize the Signs of Abuse

The first and often most difficult step is recognizing that something might be wrong. Abuse can take many forms—physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and neglect. You might notice unexplained bruises, repeated falls, poor hygiene, malnutrition, or a sudden change in your loved one’s demeanor. In some cases, staff may offer vague or conflicting explanations for injuries. These are all red flags.

Emotional abuse, in particular, is subtle. If your loved one appears withdrawn, anxious, or fearful—especially around certain staff members—it’s worth investigating further. While not every injury or mood change indicates abuse, consistent patterns or suspicious explanations should not be ignored.

Step 2: Report the Abuse to the Proper Authorities

Once you’ve identified potential abuse, it’s important to report it to the appropriate state agencies.

In Florida, the Florida Abuse Hotline (1-800-962-2873) is available 24/7 and accepts reports of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults. The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) also investigates licensed healthcare facilities and can be contacted at 1-888-419-3456.

If you’re in Georgia, contact the Georgia Department of Human Services’ Division of Aging Services at 1-866-552-4464. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is also a valuable resource and advocates for residents’ rights.

If the situation is urgent or life-threatening, never hesitate to contact local law enforcement or call 911.

Step 3: Document Everything You See and Hear

Before making a formal complaint or taking legal action, gather as much documentation as possible. Keep a detailed journal with dates, times, and descriptions of any suspicious behavior or injuries. Photographs can be particularly compelling, especially if they show visible harm or unsafe conditions. Save any communication you have with staff or administration, especially emails, voicemails, or written reports.

This information can be vital if an investigation is launched or a legal case is filed. It also helps establish a pattern, which is often necessary in elder abuse claims.

Step 4: Consult a Nursing Home Abuse Attorney

Once you’ve documented your concerns and reported them to the relevant agencies, it’s wise to consult a lawyer who specializes in elder abuse and nursing home negligence. These cases are often complex and require a deep understanding of state regulations and federal nursing home standards.

An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal options, including potential civil litigation for damages. They can also assist in coordinating with state investigators and ensuring your loved one’s rights are protected every step of the way.

At DuFault Law, we have helped families across Florida and Georgia pursue justice for nursing home neglect and abuse. We know the system and how to hold facilities accountable when they fail to provide the care and dignity our elders deserve.

Step 5: Prioritize Your Loved One’s Safety

If you believe your loved one is in immediate danger, removing them from the facility may be necessary. This could mean relocating them to another nursing home or, if possible, bringing them home temporarily. Speak with your attorney and a trusted physician about the safest course of action.

Some families fear retaliation from staff or worsening treatment, which is a legitimate concern. Laws exist to protect residents from retaliation, and your attorney can help you take steps to safeguard your loved one while minimizing additional stress.

Step 6: Stay Involved and Vigilant

Even after the situation is resolved—or if your loved one is moved to a new facility—remaining actively involved in their care is essential. Frequent, unannounced visits and open communication with staff can deter mistreatment and show that your loved one has a strong support system.

Building a relationship with the caregiving staff and staying informed about your loved one’s care plan also ensures transparency and reinforces accountability.

Final Thoughts: Key Takeaways

Nursing home abuse is a serious and often underreported issue, but recognizing the warning signs—whether they’re physical injuries, emotional withdrawal, financial discrepancies, or poor living conditions—is the first critical step in protecting your loved one. Thorough documentation, including photos, notes, and records of communication, is essential when it comes time to report the abuse or seek legal action. Fortunately, families in Florida and Georgia have access to both state-run elder care agencies and experienced legal professionals who are ready to help.

Remaining involved in your loved one’s care can make a significant difference. Frequent visits, open communication with facility staff, and being a visible advocate are powerful ways to ensure they are being treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. And when suspicions of abuse do arise, having a knowledgeable nursing home abuse attorney in your corner can help you navigate the legal process and pursue justice confidently.

Take the Next Step: Protect Your Loved One with Trusted Legal Guidance

If something doesn’t feel right about the care your loved one is receiving in a nursing home, trust your instincts—and take action. At DuFault Law, we help families across Florida and Georgia respond to nursing home abuse with clarity, urgency, and legal precision. From reporting suspected mistreatment to building a strong case for accountability and compensation, our team is ready to stand by your side every step of the way.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call us today at (239) 422-6400 or email contact@dufaultlaw.com to schedule a confidential consultation. Your loved one deserves to live with dignity, safety, and care—and we’re here to make sure that happens.