When a loved one enters a nursing home, families trust that they’ll receive compassionate, professional care. But sadly, that’s not always the reality.
In far too many cases, nursing home residents are left vulnerable to abuse and neglect by the very people who are supposed to protect them. For Georgia families, knowing where to turn when something feels wrong can be overwhelming.
One resource often overlooked is the Georgia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. These trained advocates play an important role in protecting the rights and safety of residents in Georgia nursing homes. While they aren’t lawyers, they can be a powerful ally when abuse or neglect is suspected.
Here's how the ombudsmen fit into the picture, how much they really help if your loved one is being mistreated in a facility, and how a Georgia nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer can help you demand justice.
How common is nursing home abuse in Georgia?
Nursing home abuse in Georgia is more widespread than many people realize, according to historical data from a federally supported study. Ombudsmen interviewed nursing home residents in 23 nursing homes across the state. Nearly half of the residents said they had been abused. An overwhelming 95% said they had witnessed other residents being abused or neglected.
These numbers are heartbreaking. They represent real people who often can’t speak up for themselves. Older adults, particularly those with dementia or physical impairments, may not be able to describe what’s happening to them, or they may fear retaliation if they do.
Common forms of nursing home abuse include:
- Physical abuse, such as slapping or rough handling.
- Emotional abuse, including yelling, threats, or humiliation.
- Neglect, such as failing to help with hygiene or giving the wrong medications.
- Financial exploitation, such as unauthorized bank withdrawals or stolen valuables.
Warning signs include sudden weight loss, bruises, unexplained injuries, emotional withdrawal, and poor hygiene.
What is a Georgia long-term care ombudsman?
In Georgia, a long-term care ombudsman is a trained advocate who helps protect the rights of residents in licensed care facilities. These professionals are part of a statewide program operated by the Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Aging Services. Their job is to support residents and make sure their voices are heard.
Ombudsmen regularly visit nursing homes, assisted living communities, personal care homes, and memory care centers. They aren’t employed by the nursing home. Instead, they serve independently and work directly on behalf of residents. Their services are free, and any complaints made are kept confidential. If a resident is being mistreated, the ombudsman may be one of the first people to notice and one of the first to step in.
A Georgia ombudsman can:
- Investigate concerns about poor care or abuse.
- Speak privately with residents about their treatment.
- Advocate for changes at the facility.
- Help residents and families understand their rights.
- Provide guidance on how to handle serious problems.
What can an ombudsman do in an abuse case?
Ombudsmen are often the first line of defense when something goes wrong in a long-term care facility. If they receive a complaint about abuse or neglect, they can visit the facility, talk to the resident, observe conditions, and ask staff questions.
If the ombudsman believes the situation is unsafe or unlawful, they can report the issue to outside agencies such as:
- Georgia Adult Protective Services
- The Georgia Department of Community Health
- Local law enforcement
Should I consult with a lawyer if my loved one suffered due to nursing home abuse or neglect?
In many cases, an ombudsman can resolve problems before they escalate. For example, they might help a resident get moved to a safer room, request changes to a care plan, or ensure a staff member is no longer assigned to that resident.
However, there are limits to what an ombudsman can do. They can’t file a lawsuit, force the facility to pay damages, or represent you in court. For that, you’ll need to speak with a lawyer experienced in nursing home abuse and neglect cases in Georgia.
An experienced lawyer can help if:
- Your loved one suffered serious injuries
- The facility refuses to act on your concerns
- You believe the abuse was intentional or systemic
- Your family is facing large medical bills or funeral costs
- You want to hold the facility financially accountable
Additionally, a nursing home abuse lawyer can gather records, interview witnesses, file a lawsuit, and pursue compensation for your loved one’s suffering.
Can you work with both an ombudsman and a lawyer?
Working with both an ombudsman and a nursing home negligence lawyer is a great way to strengthen your case and hold the liable party accountable. Ombudsmen can provide detailed observations and document complaints. This information can be used by your lawyer to show a pattern of abuse or neglect.
Here’s how it might work:
- You file a complaint with the ombudsman
- The ombudsman visits the facility and reports concerns
- The facility fails to correct the problem
- You hire a lawyer, who uses the ombudsman’s findings to build your case
This kind of collaboration helps show that you took every reasonable step before pursuing legal action. It also adds weight to your claims and helps uncover additional evidence.
What should I do if I suspect abuse in a Georgia nursing home?
If you’re worried that your loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing facility, take these steps right away:
- Document everything: Write down dates, take photos of injuries, and keep records of your conversations with staff.
- Speak with your loved one: Ask gentle questions in private. Listen carefully to their tone and body language.
- Report the issue to the facility: Speak with the nursing director or administrator. Follow up in writing.
- Contact the Georgia Ombudsman Program: Call (866) 552-4464 (Option 5) or file a complaint online.
- Call a lawyer: Speak with an experienced nursing home abuse attorney to explore your legal options.
Our law firm can protect your loved one and demand accountability
The Georgia nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers at Johnson Greer Law Group in Decatur are committed to holding negligent facility staff and administrators accountable. We fight to uncover the truth, build strong cases, and stand up for the dignity of vulnerable residents.
We’ll take the time to listen to your concerns and answer your questions during a free consultation. You’ll speak directly with a knowledgeable and compassionate attorney who will review the details of your case, explain your legal options, and offer clear guidance on what to expect next. There’s no pressure or obligation, just honest insight from a legal team that has helped families across Georgia protect their loved ones and demand accountability from long-term care facilities.
We also work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront and nothing out of pocket. Our firm only gets paid if we win your case. That way, you can focus on your loved one’s recovery while we focus on getting the justice and compensation your family deserves.
To get started, contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward protecting your loved one’s rights.
“Attorney Johnson is a wonderful & professional attorney. He is ALWAYS a phone call away, he will continuously update you & your family about your case. Always answer questions & find good solutions to the problems you may have. Very honest & will lead you in the right direction. THANK YOU.” - N.T., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐