Have your questions prepared for the police to ask staff. You need certain pieces of information documented in the police record that you will be unable to obtain without their assistance. Contact your local ombudsman at the same time but do not be surprised for a delay due to their caseload or inexperience. Finally, after you have secured a copy of the police report, including photographs taken during their investigation, then contact the state licensing agency to file a complaint against the facility. My next article will focus in more detail on how to direct a police investigation in suspected nursing home abuse.
Documentation is the key to accountability.
Start a paper trail as soon as problems go unresolved. This advice does not pertain to all nursing homes. Thankfully there are some good ones. There are also many conscientious caregivers working long hard hours and being grossly underpaid. My advice is strictly for families who are not having legitimate concerns validated.