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Resources

Tools, guides, and contacts to help you protect yourself and your loved ones. Knowledge is the first line of defense against institutional abuse.

// How to Report Abuse

Reporting abuse is the critical first step. Here is what you need to know to make your report count.

  • Document everything — dates, times, names, what you saw or heard
  • Take photos of injuries, conditions, or documents when safe to do so
  • File with Oregon DHS Adult Protective Services: 1-855-503-7233
  • File a complaint with the Oregon Health Authority when healthcare is involved
  • Keep copies of everything you submit — agencies lose files

// Know Your Rights

Oregon law provides specific protections for residents of care facilities and their families.

  • Right to be free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation
  • Right to access your own (or your family member's) medical records
  • Right to visitation — facilities cannot arbitrarily ban family
  • Right to file grievances without retaliation
  • Right to public records under ORS 192

// Legal Safeguards

Proactive legal steps to protect yourself and your family from guardianship abuse and institutional overreach.

  • Establish advance directives and powers of attorney before a crisis
  • Understand ORS 125 — Oregon's guardianship and conservatorship law
  • Request a court-appointed visitor if guardianship is proposed
  • Contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman for facility complaints

// Support Networks

You are not alone. These organizations can help.

  • National Center on Elder Abuse
    ncea.acl.gov — Research, resources, training
  • Oregon Long-Term Care Ombudsman
    1-800-522-2602 — Advocates for residents in care facilities
  • Disability Rights Oregon
    1-800-452-1694 — Legal advocacy for people with disabilities
  • Oregon DOJ — Elder Abuse Prevention
    1-800-720-6339 — Financial exploitation hotline

Have information about abuse? Know someone who needs help?

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