Help for Your Legal Problem

When You Have a Nursing Home Complaint

You have rights as a nursing home resident. Your rights include being treated with dignity and respect. You also have the right to be free of abuse, neglect and exploitation.

When you have a complaint against a nursing home you have two options: a “grievance” and a “complaint.”

1. Making a Grievance

You can make your complaint directly to the nursing home. This is called a “grievance.” The law requires that a nursing home have one staff member who is responsible for receiving grievances from residents.

A grievance can be made by you or by someone helping you. You should write a letter to the nursing home that explains what the problem is. You can deliver the letter in person, or you can mail it. The nursing home must respond to your grievance in writing within a reasonable amount of time.

2. Making a Complaint

You can also make a “complaint” to Survey and Certification, which is part of the Vermont Division of Licensing and Protection. They make sure that nursing homes are following the law.

You can make a complaint to Survey and Certification by phone, mail, fax or email. You can also fill out an online form. Follow this link to learn how to make a complaint with Survey and Certification.

Need Help?

With your permission, we can help you make a grievance or a complaint.

Contact us at the Vermont Long-Term Care Ombudsman Project. Fill in our online form or call us at 1-800-889-2047.

Follow this link to learn more about the Vermont Long-Term Care Ombudsman Project.

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