Texas law requires anyone who suspects abuse, exploitation or neglect of an elderly or abused person to report the abuse. If you suspect abuse of an elderly person who resides at a nursing home, call the Texas Department of Human Services (long-term care) at 1-800-458-9858. Alternatively, you can report abuse concerns by calling the Texas Medicaid Fraud Hotline at 1-800-252-8011.

If you call to make a complaint, you should be prepared to provide the name and address of the nursing home, name and room number of the patient, a brief statement of the complaint, and your own name, phone number and address. Anonymity is guaranteed to anyone who files a complaint or reports abuse and/or neglect. If a complaint alleges that a resident has died or is in imminent danger due to conditions in a nursing home, the Texas Department of Human Services must investigate the complaint within 24 hours. The facility will not be given advanced notice of the inspection, and witnesses will be interviewed in private.

Nursing homes may not retaliate against a resident, family member or employee who makes a complaint. Talk To an Attorney.

If a loved one is injured or dies as a result of nursing home abuse and/or neglect, Texas law allows you or your family to file a private lawsuit against the nursing home for claims resulting from negligence and/or wrongful death.

Do not procrastinate. Memories fade, evidence such as medical/nursing records can be altered, destroyed or lost. Bad situations rarely improve on their own. Act now (not a month or a year from now) to protect yourself, your loved ones and your rights.

Take notes. If you or a loved one has been injured, keep a log or diary of problems noted. Keep a record of to whom and when the problems were reported, the action that was taken, and any other relevant information. Also take note of your loved one's moods and behavior.

Do not talk with anyone other than your lawyer. You should not discuss your case with anyone. This includes insurance adjusters who may call you, nursing home administrators, nursing home directors and/or attorneys.

If a loved is in a nursing home and you feel that have been abused or neglected, please contact The Rasansky Law Firm immediately to discuss your legal rights and options regarding your loved one in a nursing home.

For more information about Nursing Home Claims, you can also visit www.nursinghomelawyer.com, a Rasansky Law Firm speciality site devoted exclusively to Nursing Home Claims, Nursing Home Abuse, Nursing Home Neglect, and Nursing Home Rights.

Signs that a Loved One In A Nursing Home could be in trouble include Behavioral Problems, Changes In Physical Conditions, Dehydration, and Immobility to name a few.