If you’re concerned about a friend or family member living in a care facility, you may wonder how to report abuse in a nursing home. Your report can help your loved one and others.
Our experienced Greenville nursing home abuse lawyer at Bobby Jones Law explains how to report nursing home abuse.
Whom To Call To Report Nursing Home Abuse in South Carolina
There are various ways to report nursing home abuse in South Carolina:
Long Term Care Ombudsman
How to report
Call 1 (800) 868-9095
What they do
The SC Long Term Care Ombudsman investigates nursing home abuse and neglect. They can refer cases to SLED for criminal investigation, if appropriate.
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman can work with the facility to make changes and prevent further harm. They look for solutions and advocate for the protection of residents’ rights.
SC Adult Protective Services
How to report
Report online or call 1 (888) 227-3487
What they do
South Carolina Adult Protective Services (APS) investigates suspected abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults. They handle abuse reports occurring both inside and outside of nursing homes. Their purpose is to investigate and minimize the risk of harm to the vulnerable adult.
APS is part of the South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS) Adult Advocacy Division.
SLED, Vulnerable Adults Investigations Unit (VAIU)
How to report
Call 1 (866) 200-6066
What they do
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) Vulnerable Adults Investigations Unit receives reports of vulnerable adult abuse in facilities operated by or contracted with the Office of Mental Health or the Office of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. They may refer cases for criminal prosecution. The vulnerable adult division is part of the SLED Special Victims Unit (SVU).
911 Emergency Responders
How to report
Call 911
What they do
911 operators can dispatch emergency responders. Police, firefighters, and emergency medical responders can help when the need is immediate. Call 911 for serious emergencies only. For other situations, call the local police non-emergency number.
Local Police
How to report
City of Greenville Police Department: (864) 271-5333
Greenville County Sheriff: (864) 271-5210 or report online
What they do
Local law enforcement can investigate whether a crime has occurred. They can gather evidence of crimes. They may contact Adult Protective Services to coordinate a response.
Learn more
City of Greenville Police Department
Greenville County Sheriff’s Office
Department of Public Health
How to report
Complaint form or call 1 (800) 922-6735
What they do
The South Carolina Department of Public Health handles health facility licensing, including nursing homes. DPH enforces safety standards. A report can prompt an investigation, improvement plan, penalties, and license revocation.
SC Attorney General, Medicaid Fraud
How to report
Call 1 (888) 364-3224
What they do
The SC Attorney General Medicaid Recipient Fraud Unit (MRFU) investigates financial fraud, abuse, and exploitation of Medicaid beneficiaries.
What Each Entity Does
When you’re deciding how to report nursing home abuse, it’s important to understand what each agency does. That can help you understand what kind of response to expect.
When You Report to Adult Protective Services
APS can file emergency court petitions. This quick legal action can remove the vulnerable adult from an unsafe situation. If there is an emergency change in the person’s living situation, there will be a court hearing shortly thereafter.
Law enforcement officers also have the legal authority to intervene in life-threatening situations. If a law enforcement officer takes an adult into protective custody, they must immediately notify APS and DSS. DSS must file a petition for protective custody by the next business day.
Contacting the SC Long-Term Care Ombudsman
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman is more of a mediator, advocate, and negotiator. They can advocate on behalf of the resident to resolve substandard living conditions and address concerns and grievances. The Long-Term Care Ombudsman deals with only licensed nursing home facilities.
APS can investigate any situation, including private living arrangements with family members and others. Which one to call, or both, depends on the issue. If it’s physical abuse or an immediate safety issue, APS may be more appropriate. If you need an advocate for an ongoing, non-emergency issue, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman may be the best option.
Reporting to the Facility
Sometimes, it’s effective to report the problem directly to nursing home administrators. If you believe that the issue is with a single employee, it can be effective to bring it to the facility’s attention. If you believe that the facility will protect the person responsible or will be dismissive, reporting to them may not be effective.
How To Report Nursing Home Abuse Anonymously
You can report nursing home abuse anonymously in South Carolina. APS and the Long-Term Care Ombudsman accept anonymous reports. The police also accept anonymous tips. Reporting anonymously can be best if you’re worried about retaliation. But providing your information to the police can help the investigation, as they can ask follow-up questions and communicate with you directly.
Are You a Mandatory Reporter Under South Carolina Law?
South Carolina law requires certain people to report suspected adult abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Medical providers, teachers, religious healers, mental health care providers, assistance workers, staff, and even volunteers must report. The law is broad. Any other person with actual knowledge of adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation is a mandatory reporter in South Carolina.
Protecting Your Loved One From Retaliation
Retaliation for reporting nursing home abuse can mean additional abuse. It can mean hostility or a delayed response to requests for help. It may mean threats of discharge from the facility.
It’s important to recognize the signs of retaliation, including anxiety and social withdrawal. If you suspect retaliation, report it immediately.
When To Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Contact a lawyer if you suspect that a loved one has suffered nursing home abuse. We can help you investigate, report it, and take action to protect your loved one.
Bobby Jones Law handles abuse and neglect cases involving nursing homes in Greenville, SC.
If you are wondering how to report nursing home abuse in Greenville and want to learn more about your loved one’s right to compensation, please contact us.
