Because Kansas City straddles two states, the statistics on elder abuse that occurs in nursing home facilities in Kansas City can be skewed. One one side, Kansas has a much higher rating overall for quality of elder care in nursing homes. On the other, Missouri’s elder care ratings are consistently lower. The department that oversees cases of suspected elder abuse cases in Kansas City depends on which side of the city the nursing home is located, and in what state they are licensed.
The Department of Health and Senior Services is Missouri’s investigative body that looks into all cases of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of senior citizens that live in long-term health care facilities. The Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline is there to respond to accusations of elder abuse. This number (800-392-0210) can be used by anyone who suspects that a case of elder abuse is occurring. This includes family, friends, concerned third parties, and the elderly individual themselves. Healthcare professionals, social workers, members of the clergy, and other professionals are required by Missouri law to report any cases of elder abuse they suspect.
After a report is made to the Missouri DHSS, investigators are assigned to the case. Supportive services may be offered, as well as other services like meal delivery, financial and legal assistance, counseling, and referral to other services. The investigation is conducted according to the situation and location of the alleged instance of abuse.
Missouri states that elders have the right to refuse treatments and confinement. They also have the right to be informed of their medical condition and possible treatment, and to be provided with privacy in their records. They are given the right to choose their own doctor, and to be treated with dignity in the face of medical decisions and treatment. Missouri’s protective services consider these rights to be inherent.
If the alleged case of elder abuse happens on the Kansas side of Kansas City, then the Kansas Adult Protective Services responds. In addition to investigating the crime and providing representation for elders who do not have legal counsel, the KAPS can also help residents of licensed nursing homes and adult care homes find the right legal counsel for charging a facility or staff member with abuse.
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is another service that may be part of the investigation process.
For Kansas City elders who may be involved in abuse, the domestic abuse hotline, which leads to the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services, is 800-842-0078. The reporting lines are staffed 24 hours a day. Anyone who reports suspected elder abuse is free of liability from criminal charges themselves. They may also choose to have their name kept anonymous, if they fear retaliation in their job or from their family.
In order to report, you will need as much information about the alleged instance of abuse or neglect as you have. Names of anyone who may have known about the abuse are usually required, as are any videos or photographs you have as proof. Keeping excellent health records and photo documents can help. The statute of limitations varies depending on the severity of the claim, so it is best to report the abuse early.
While nursing homes in Missouri continue to face massive understaffing and under-training problems, Kansas City nursing home residents are seeing a closer eye being placed on them from the government. Efforts in 2014 and 2015 to increase safety and care in Missouri nursing facilities are still being reviewed.
Sources:
http://health.mo.gov/safety/abuse/#report
http://www.dcf.ks.gov/services/PPS/Pages/ReportAdultAbuseNeglect.aspx