Placing a loved one in a nursing home is a decision rooted in trust. Families believe their loved ones will receive safe, compassionate care in a professional environment. But when signs of mistreatment appear, knowing how to report nursing home abuse in Tennessee becomes critically important. Speaking up not only potentially protects your family members, but it can also help others suffering in silence.
Know the Signs: What Does Nursing Home Abuse Look Like?
Abuse and neglect in nursing homes don’t always look the same. Some signs are physical. Others are emotional or behavioral. And in many cases, victims are unable, or too afraid, to speak up.
Here are red flags to watch for:
- Unexplained injuries, such as bruises, fractures, burns, or head wounds;
- Poor hygiene, like unwashed hair, dirty clothes, or foul odors;
- Weight loss or dehydration, often signaling nutritional neglect or lack of access to fluids;
- Sudden mood changes, including fear, withdrawal, anxiety, or confusion;
- Pressure sores, especially on the back, heels, or elbows;
- Missing personal belongings or strange financial transactions; and
- Repeated falls, which may reflect poor supervision or unsafe conditions.
If you notice any of these symptoms, trust your instincts. Start documenting what you see—the dates, times, conditions, and names of staff members involved. Photos and written records can be powerful when you report nursing home neglect in Tennessee.
How to Report a Nursing Home for Suspected Abuse or Neglect
Taking the proper steps can make all the difference. Tennessee has multiple resources to investigate elder abuse, enforce nursing home regulations, and protect vulnerable residents.
Speak with the Nursing Home Administrator
If your loved one is not in immediate danger, report the issue directly to the facility’s management. Request a meeting with the administrator and follow up with a written summary of your concerns. Ask for a specific plan to address the issue. Do not stop here if you feel the facility is ignoring your complaint or the problem is severe.
Contact Tennessee Adult Protective Services (APS)
Adult Protective Services investigates allegations of abuse, neglect, or exploitation involving vulnerable adults in Tennessee. You can report elder abuse in Tennessee to APS in two ways:
- Call the 24/7 hotline at 1-888-APS-TENN (1-888-277-8366), or
- Submit a report online through the Tennessee Department of Human Services.
APS can investigate incidents at licensed care facilities. If necessary, they will collaborate with law enforcement or other regulatory bodies to protect the individual at risk.
File a Complaint with the Tennessee Department of Health
The Board for Licensing Health Care Facilities, part of the Tennessee Department of Health, oversees nursing home regulations. If a facility violates care standards or fails to meet health and safety laws, you can submit a formal complaint by calling the Complaint Intake Unit at 1-877-287-0010.
Contact the Tennessee Long-Term Care Ombudsman
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for the rights and welfare of nursing home residents. Ombudsmen can investigate complaints, help mediate disputes, and educate residents and families on care rights. Contact your regional ombudsman through the Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability by calling 1-877-236-0013.
Call Local Law Enforcement If a Crime Has Occurred
If you believe a resident has been physically assaulted, sexually abused, or financially exploited, report it to your local police department. Call 911 in emergencies. Law enforcement can launch a criminal investigation and work with state agencies to ensure the safety of your loved one.
What to Include in Your Report
The more information you provide, the better-equipped state agencies will be to act. When reporting nursing home abuse in Tennessee, try to include:
- The name and location of the facility;
- The name of the resident at risk;
- A clear timeline and description of what happened;
- The names of any staff members involved, if known;
- Photos, medical records, or written statements, if available; and
- Your contact information, unless you wish to remain anonymous.
Keep copies of everything you submit. You may need them for follow-up conversations or legal action.
Why Reporting Nursing Home Abuse Matters
Abuse and neglect often continue because no one reports them. Victims may be isolated, nonverbal, or too afraid to speak out. By reporting suspected abuse, you:
- Demand accountability from care facilities,
- Create a record that may help future investigations,
- Trigger state oversight and enforcement, and
- Advocate for better care standards across the system.
It takes courage to speak up. But your voice matters.
Contact Senior Justice Law Firm
The decision to report nursing home abuse in Tennessee can feel overwhelming. If you’re unsure where to start or facing resistance from a facility, know you’re not alone. At Senior Justice Law Firm, we exclusively help families hold nursing homes accountable for abuse, neglect, and wrongful death.
If you need guidance, support, or legal representation, reach out today. Your loved one deserves safety, dignity, and justice, and we’re here to help you fight for it.
