A Statement of Deficiency may be issued and the facility then has a limited time within which to offer a plan of correction to the health services department. The government can issue a monetary citation, and often the facility contests the citation. What the consumer must do is stay in close touch with the Department - often this will lead to real changes at the facility which very well may benefit the resident whose family member complained. In each county, there is also an Ombudsman service, which exists to act as a type of mediation service to resolve disputes between a resident, the family, and the facility. If there are problems, always start by contacting the Director of Nursing or the facility administrator.
Many facilities have family councils and often problems can be resolved at family council meetings.
In all cases, problems should be documented. The moment a problem arises, start keeping a diary. Put all complaints in writing. If a problem results in significant injury or death, nursing home residents and their families can bring civil actions under the recently strengthened Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act. The care a resident is entitled to is not determined by the facility, but by established standards.