If you believe a loved one is being abused or neglected in a Washington, DC nursing home, act now. Abuse rarely stops on its own, and an early report can protect your family member and the other residents who live in the same facility.
If the resident is in immediate danger, call 911. For situations that are not emergencies, you can report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation to DC Adult Protective Services, file a complaint with DC Health, or contact the DC Long-Term Care Ombudsman. You can contact more than one of these offices about the same concern.
A Guide to Reporting Nursing Home Abuse in Washington, DC
Use the contacts below to report suspected abuse or neglect in a DC nursing home.
| What to report | Who to contact | How |
|---|---|---|
| A resident in immediate danger | Police / emergency services | Call 911 |
| Suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult | DC Adult Protective Services (APS) | (202) 541-3950, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
| A complaint against a nursing home or other health care facility | DC Health, Health Regulation and Licensing Administration | Online complaint form or mail |
| Help resolving a problem or advocating for a resident | DC Long-Term Care Ombudsman | (202) 434-2190 or DCOmbuds@aarp.org |
| Questions about elder abuse and exploitation | DC Office of the Attorney General, Elder Justice | (202) 727-3807 or ElderJustice@dc.gov |
Contact DC Adult Protective Services
DC Adult Protective Services (APS) is part of the Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL). APS responds to reports of abuse, neglect, self-neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults in the District.
You can reach the APS hotline at (202) 541-3950, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Written reports can also be faxed to (202) 541-3964. APS is not an emergency service, so if a resident is in immediate danger, call 911 first.
File a Complaint With DC Health
DC Health licenses and inspects nursing homes in the District. Complaints against a facility go to its Health Regulation and Licensing Administration (HRLA), Facility Complaints office. You can file in two ways:
- Online: Submit the DC Health facility complaint form.
- By mail: Complete and sign the fillable complaint form, then mail it to Health Regulation and Licensing Administration, Facility Complaints, 2201 Shannon Place SE, Second Floor, Washington, DC 20020.
DC Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
A long-term care ombudsman is an advocate for people who live in long-term care facilities. In DC, the Office of the DC Long-Term Care Ombudsman is run by Legal Counsel for the Elderly. It serves residents of nursing homes, assisted living residences, and community residence facilities.
The ombudsman’s office receives and investigates complaints made by or on behalf of residents and works to resolve them. It also helps residents and families understand their rights. Its services are confidential and free.
To contact the DC Long-Term Care Ombudsman, call (202) 434-2190 or email DCOmbuds@aarp.org. The office says it responds to calls and emails within 24 hours or the next business day. Learn more about the program.
What to Include When You Report Abuse to APS
You do not need proof to make a report. Share what you know, and APS will investigate. DC’s guidance for reporters asks for the following when it is available:
- The name, age, physical description, and location of the resident
- The name and location of the person or people you suspect are responsible
- What happened and how serious it was
- Any other details that could help the investigation
It also helps to write down dates, times, and names of staff involved, and to keep photos of injuries or living conditions if you can take them safely.
Recognizing the Signs: When to Report Nursing Home Abuse
Abuse and neglect are often hidden, and many residents cannot or will not speak up. Trust your instincts. If something seems wrong, report it early. Watch for these warning signs:
- Unexplained injuries: Bruises, cuts, burns, or fractures that staff cannot clearly explain.
- Sudden weight changes: Rapid weight loss or signs of dehydration can point to poor nutrition or missed meals.
- Poor hygiene: Soiled clothing or bedding, unwashed hair, or an unclean room.
- Fear or discomfort around staff: A resident who becomes tense, quiet, or afraid around certain caregivers.
- Emotional withdrawal or distress: New anxiety, agitation, depression, or loss of interest in activities.
- Financial irregularities: Unusual bank activity, missing money or belongings, or sudden changes to financial documents.
- Communication barriers: Staff who discourage visits, refuse to let you speak with your loved one alone, or give vague answers.
- Neglect indicators: Bedsores, frequent infections, or untreated medical problems.
- Isolation: A resident kept away from other residents, activities, or family.
- Medication errors: Missed doses, wrong medications, or unexplained changes in alertness. See our page on medication errors.
Any significant change that no one can explain is worth looking into.
Contact Senior Justice Law Firm
Reporting abuse is the first step toward protecting your loved one. If a nursing home’s abuse or neglect caused serious harm, you may also want to understand your family’s legal options.
Senior Justice Law Firm is a law firm, not a law factory. We limit our caseload so we can focus on serious injury and wrongful death cases involving nursing home abuse and neglect. If your loved one was hurt in a Washington, DC nursing home, contact our office today for a free case evaluation.
