Trusting a long-term care facility with your loved one’s health and safety is never easy. Families expect Hawaii nursing homes to provide respectful, attentive care. But when warning signs of abuse or neglect arise, families must take action. Understanding how to report nursing home abuse in Hawaii can help protect your loved one and others from further harm.
Recognizing the Signs of Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect
Elder abuse can happen even in the most well-reviewed facilities. Abuse may be physical, emotional, sexual, financial, or even the result of chronic neglect. Some warning signs may be subtle initially, but they should never be ignored.
Common signs of nursing home abuse or neglect include:
- Unexplained bruises, cuts, or bone fractures;
- Sudden emotional shifts such as fear, withdrawal, or aggression;
- Poor hygiene, soiled clothing, or bedsores;
- Rapid weight loss or signs of dehydration;
- Unattended medical needs, like untreated infections or missed medications;
- Missing personal belongings or unauthorized financial activity; and
- Changes in legal documents or power of attorney assignments.
If your loved one is showing any of these symptoms, start documenting everything, including dates, photos, observations, and staff interactions. Your detailed records will help when reporting nursing home abuse in Hawaii to the appropriate authorities.
Steps to Report Nursing Home Abuse in Hawaii
Several Hawaii agencies exist to investigate abuse complaints and enforce care standards. Below are the steps to take if you believe a nursing home or assisted living facility is mistreating your loved one.
1. Raise Your Concerns Internally
When the situation isn’t an emergency, you may first want to speak with the facility’s administrator or nursing director. Present your concerns in writing and ask for a documented response. While working directly with the facility can resolve some issues, serious or ongoing concerns should be escalated to state agencies.
2. Contact Hawaii Adult Protective Services (APS)
Adult Protective Services, part of the Hawaii Department of Human Services, investigates reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults, including nursing home residents.
To report elder abuse in Hawaii, contact APS at 808-832-5115 (Oahu) or 1-888-380-3088 (toll-free). You can make a report 24/7. APS will investigate the case and may coordinate with law enforcement or licensing agencies if necessary.
3. File a Complaint with the Hawaii Office of Health Care Assurance (OHCA)
OHCA, under the Department of Health, oversees the licensing and regulation of nursing homes and long-term care facilities across Hawaii. If a facility has violated care standards, you can file a formal complaint here.
To report nursing home neglect in Hawaii, contact OHCA by:
- Calling 808-692-7420,
- Emailing doh.ohca.intake@doh.hawaii.gov, or
- Completing the online request form at health.hawaii.gov/ohca.
This agency investigates complaints involving safety, hygiene, staffing, and resident care practices.
4. Reach Out to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
The Hawaii Long-Term Care Ombudsman is an independent program that protects the rights of residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Ombudsmen help mediate concerns, investigate reports, and advocate for residents. Contact them at 808-587-0770. This program is especially helpful when you’re unsure where to start or need help navigating the complaint process.
5. Involve Local Law Enforcement When Needed
If you believe a crime has occurred, such as physical assault, sexual abuse, or financial exploitation, contact your local police department. Dial 911 for emergencies, or use the non-emergency line for less urgent matters.
Law enforcement may work in conjunction with APS and OHCA to investigate serious abuse allegations.
What to Include in Your Complaint
The more specific your report, the easier it will be for agencies to conduct their investigation. When you report nursing home abuse in Hawaii, include:
- Full name of the resident and the facility;
- A detailed summary of incidents or concerns (dates, staff names, what was observed);
- Any supporting documentation, such as photos, medical reports, or notes; and
- Your contact information (optional if reporting anonymously).
Keep a personal copy of your report and any follow-up correspondence for your records.
Why It’s Important to Report Nursing Home Abuse in Hawaii
Many elderly residents remain silent out of fear or confusion. When you speak up, you’re protecting your loved one and standing up for others who may be suffering in silence.
When you take the time to report nursing home neglect in Hawaii, you:
- Demand accountability from care facilities,
- Help prevent abuse from continuing or escalating,
- Strengthen enforcement of care standards across the state, and
- Empower other families to take action when something feels wrong.
Your report could be the first step in changing the culture of a facility and potentially saving lives.
Need Help Reporting Nursing Home Abuse in Hawaii?
At Senior Justice Law Firm, we dedicate our practice to helping families affected by nursing home neglect and abuse. We understand how overwhelming the process can be, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
If you need assistance to report nursing home abuse in Hawaii, contact us for a free consultation. Let us help you protect your loved one and hold negligent care facilities accountable.
