Help for Veterans

Many nursing home residents have suffered some abuse, whether through neglect, carelessness, or deliberate actions taken by the staff or management.

Unfortunately, those who have served and protected our country are also at risk. It is estimated that 1 in 10 veterans have suffered abuse in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Many times, some cases go unreported, which may mean these numbers could be higher.

After these individuals have served their country, it is our responsibility to keep them safe from neglect and abuse in nursing home environments. If you have a veteran family member or are a service member yourself, here is a guide to help connect you with the right resources.

Abuse in America’s Nursing Homes

Nursing home abuse is a broad term, but it can cover a wide range of issues, including:

Financial abuse
Neglect
Physical, emotional, and/or sexual abuse

While some abuse can leave physical marks, others can cause mental health issues for those affected.

Sometimes, it can add to the struggles of many veterans who are grappling with trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder.

Rights of Veterans

Nursing home residents have certain rights and protections under federal and state laws. Among individuals, veterans have the right to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect as well.

Discrimination for any reason, including age, race, ethnicity, religion, culture, language, physical or mental disability, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation, or gender identity or expression, is not allowed.

The privacy of veterans is protected. They have the right to access their health information and be informed about their health status. These individuals have the right to be involved in decisions about their care. They can refuse treatment and make advance directives.

Veterans can voice their concerns, complaints, or grievances without fear of reprisal. According to the Veterans Health Administration, they should be free from chemical and physical restraints.

Additionally, they may keep personal items and are expected to wear their own clothes.

Reporting the Abuse

If there are incidents of nursing home abuse, veterans and their family members should file a complaint with the facility’s administration, along with the Veterans Affairs office. If your loved one resides in a VA medical facility, and you suspect abuse, you can report it directly to the VA.

You may also want to contact your local Adult Protective Services, especially if you think someone is the victim of exploitation, abuse, or neglect. These agency workers can help investigate these incidents and determine the next steps to keep these individuals safe.

And always, if someone is in immediate danger, then dial 911. Local law enforcement can investigate the matter and help veterans get the resources they need to recover from abuse.

Support and Resources

First, if there is any suspected abuse or neglect in a VA facility, you will need to reach out to a local Veterans Administration Office. While there may be several locations in your state, contacting the main website can be a good starting point to connect with the right office.

If you need additional assistance with nursing home abuse, you may want to contact the Adult Protective Services (APS). Every state has its own APS branch, and they can assist in getting help for a veteran:

Not all veterans reside in VA facilities. Some live in civilian nursing homes. These resources can help if you suspect abuse in these residents.

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman can investigate elder abuse in nursing homes and other living facilities.
The National Council on Aging has resources on elder abuse and general aging.
Eldercare Locator helps you report elder abuse.

General Resources

Whether a loved one is a veteran or not, there are several resources available for those who have experienced abuse in nursing homes:

The National Institute on Aging provides information on elder abuse, including types of abuse, signs of abuse, and who can help.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s resource provides information on how to prevent elder abuse, reporting abuse or suspected abuse, and using the National Center on Elder Abuse Listing of State Elder Abuse Hotlines.

Finally, mental health can be affected by this type of abuse, especially if you are a veteran. These resources are helpful during times of crisis.

Mental Health Home – Veterans Affairs: This resource provides information on identifying depression, self-assessment for substance use disorder, and mental health appointments.
VA Virtual Care Options: There are several virtual care options, including video visits and instant messaging with VA providers, to help assess mental health concerns.
Resources for Older Veterans: This resource provides information on maintaining older veterans’ physical and mental health.

All nursing home residents need to be treated with respect, especially our country’s veterans.

With these resources, you can connect with local offices and agencies that can help you get the support you need. We can provide help for veterans in these serious situations.

For additional help and guidance, please explore our resources section.

Your Guide to Nursing Home Abuse & Prevention