Please note that if you ever have reason to believe that your loved one is in any kind of life-threatening danger anywhere, it is important to immediately call 911 or the local law enforcement agency in which the suspected abuse is occurring. In Alaska , if you suspect abuse but don’t believe the occurrence is life threatening, you can contact the Alaska Department of Health Services or an Elder/Nursing Home Abuse Attorney to express your concerns.

The United States Federal Government began regulation of nursing homes in 1965, when many of the facilities elected to provide services under Medicare and Medicaid. Those regulations and guidelines are now managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and have changed over the years to include addressing abuse prevention. All nursing homes in Alaska are subject to review for possible violations.

Elder abuse, by definition, includes willful or reckless acts of another person that may result in physical injury or death of the nursing home resident. This also includes neglect or the failure to act to prevent an injury or death. If you have witnessed that a nursing home resident has bruises, broken bones, or has experienced a sudden change in physical or mental health, you should suspect that abuse might be occurring.

Subjecting a nursing home resident to any hitting, slapping, punching, pinching, or poking is considered by the State of Alaska to be physically abusive. Without the expressed, informed consent of the resident, the touching or exposure of a person’s private body parts for anyone’s sexual gratification is sexual abuse and prohibited by law. All nursing home residents have the right to be protected from such abuse.

Threats of punishment, intimidation, harassment, or humiliation for any purpose are examples of mental abuse that sometimes occurs in the nursing home environment or by private caregivers. Mental abuse also includes certain practices that seclude residents against their will. Preventing a person from interacting with other residents or not allowing the resident to access his/her room may sometimes be considered abuse, however, brief acts of monitored seclusion may be allowed under certain circumstances. The use of verbal, written, or gestured language that conveys a belittling or unfavorable message is also considered abuse, even if the mental state or disability of the resident prevents him/her from understanding what is being conveyed.

In Alaska , monitoring of nursing home and caregiver provided assistance is often less than adequate. If you suspect that your loved one’s rights are being violated, immediate action should be taken. An Elder/Nursing Home Abuse Attorney can be contacted to give counsel or to pursue action in order to assure that the safety and well being of the victim are protected.

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