Nursing Homes — Abuse Reporting
Unfortunately, neglect and abuse of nursing home residents is all too common. In 2001, a Congressional committee found that one in three U.S. nursing homes had been cited for abuse over a two-year period. Here in Oregon, the first step is to report suspected abuse or neglect to state authorities. Oregon law protects the confidentiality of all people reporting abuse and anyone who reports suspected abuse in good faith. Anonymous complaints of abuse or neglect are also accepted.
Call If You Suspect Abuse or Neglect
If you suspect or witness abuse or neglect, you can call Oregon’s statewide toll-free reporting hotline at 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). You can also report abuse or neglect to the Department of Human Services office in your area (local branch offices of the State of Oregon’s Senior and People with Disabilities Department). When you call, you may be asked:
- Details about the person you are concerned about such as age, where they live, and their current level of functioning;
- A description of the problem or the situation you feel is inadequate, abusive or neglectful;
- Information about other people or witnesses an investigator may want to speak with who may have direct information about the problem;
- Whether or not the person is in immediate danger or risk of harm; and
- How to get back to you if additional information is later needed.
Suspected elder abuse or neglect should be promptly reported as outlined above. In addition, if you have a complaint about a facility:
Complaint About a Nursing Home
If you have a complaint about a nursing home, you can call 1-877-280-4555 or email nf.complaints@dhsoha.state.or.us.
Complaint about a Residential Care Facility/Assisted Living Complaint
If you have a complaint about a residential care or assisted living facility, you can call the toll-free number of the Community-Based Care Licensing Complaint Unit: 1-844-503-4773. You may also email: licensing.complaint@state.or.us
Other Resources:
Seniors and People with Disabilities, Department of Human Resources
500 Summer Street, NE Salem, OR 97301 800-282-8096
This agency is charged with licensing all nursing home facilities, the investigation of all complaints regarding nursing homes, and the development of all regulations governing nursing homes.
https://www.oregon.gov/DHS/SENIORS-DISABILITIES/SUA/Pages/Adult-Abuse-Prevention.aspx
Board of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators
800 NE Oregon, Suite 407 Portland, OR 97232 503-731-4046
This agency develops and enforces standards for individuals to receive and retain a license as an Oregon nursing home administrator.
Office of the Long-term Care Ombudsman
3855 Wolverine St., NE, Suite 6 Salem, OR 97305 503-378-6533
This agency’s mission is to improve the level of care of each resident living in a long-term care facility. Trained volunteers visit the nursing homes to carry out this mission. However, there may be no ombudsman assigned to a particular facility.