Every nursing home should have a complaint procedure policy. If you have concerns or complaints, ask about the policy and follow the organization's procedures. You also may want to ask the nurse in charge to review your family member's care plan. If you are still uncomfortable with the situation, speak to the director of nursing, social worker, the administrator, or check to see if the nursing home has a family or resident council, (a group of advocates who try to improve the quality of life in the home). Often, nursing homes operated by large corporations have toll-free telephone numbers you can use to speak to a regional supervisor.
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is empowered by both federal and state government to advocate for residents of adult care facilities, and nursing homes. Regional programs can investigate complaints from residents or their families. Adult Protective Services, through the Department of Human Services, the Ohio Department of Health, and the Bureau of Residential Care, also have access to adult care facilities and nursing homes and can pursue legal action, if necessary.