---
title: "Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect: Q&A With an Elder Advocate"
url: "https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/blog/elder-advocate-julie-rivers-interview/"
description: "Julie Rivers, an advocate for elders, discusses nursing home neglect, fears of speaking up, and what to expect when contacting a lawyer."
---

**Blog** **Nursing Home Abuse Center Blog**

6 Min Read

Posted on [September 29, 2026](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/blog/elder-advocate-julie-rivers-interview/)

# Protecting a Loved One in a Nursing Home: Q\&A With Elder Advocate​ Julie Rivers

Families who suspect [nursing home neglect](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/nursing-home-neglect/) may struggle to get answers or worry that speaking out will make their loved one’s care worse. Those concerns can be especially difficult when a resident has dementia and cannot explain what’s happening.

To discuss these challenges, we spoke with [Julie Rivers, MBA](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/contributors/julie-rivers-mba/), a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) and advocate for nursing home residents​ who also writes and reviews information for the Nursing Home Abuse Center.

Julie spent years working at a nursing home injury law firm, giving her a close look at the harm residents suffered and the obstacles families faced in getting [legal help](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/legal/nursing-home-neglect-lawyer/).

Julie’s work as a nursing home advocate​ became personal when she began caring for her mother, who had Alzheimer’s. During this time, Julie also earned an MBA, which helped her understand how **business decisions can put profits ahead of nursing home resident safety.**

In this conversation, Julie discusses what elder advocacy involves, what she’s learned from working with families facing nursing home abuse, and what to know about speaking up and **seeking legal help.**

## Q: What led you to become an advocate for elders?

A: I started working at a [nursing home abuse law firm](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/legal/law-firm/) about 25 years ago, taking calls from distressed residents and families across the country.

Back then, I didn’t have personal caregiving experience, and I truly couldn’t believe the heartbreaking stories. Hearing what people were going through showed me how widespread [nursing home abuse](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/nursing-home-abuse/) and neglect are.

When my mom developed Alzheimer’s, I became her caregiver. Watching what the disease did to her made me realize just how vulnerable someone can become when they depend on others for care.

That’s what drives my work as an advocate for elders. The less someone can speak up for themselves, the more responsibility we have to protect them.

## Q: How has your Certified Senior Advisor training helped you understand families’ concerns?

A: The training helped me better understand the health, financial, and family-related issues that come with aging, including how programs like Medicare and Medicaid work. It also taught me how to [recognize elder abuse](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/elder-abuse/types/).

I think about a family trying to find safe care while also worrying about the costs and how much help they can provide themselves. Sometimes, not all of those concerns can be solved, but advocates for nursing home residents​​ can offer assistance.

I bring that perspective to the information I write and review for the Nursing Home Abuse Center. Families shouldn’t have to become experts overnight just to get help for someone they love.

## Q: What concerns about nursing home care do you hear most often?

A: Many of the concerns I hear involve residents not getting the basic care they need, such as help with eating or using the bathroom. Residents may also be left in soiled bedding or calling for help from staff and getting no response.

Families contacting a [nursing home neglect attorney](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/legal/nursing-home-neglect-lawyer/) may already know their loved one was seriously harmed, but they may not know why it happened or if it could have been prevented.

[Staffing shortages](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/nursing-home-neglect/understaffing/) in facilities are a recurring concern. Some people may want to help but have too many residents to care for. However, that doesn’t make missed care acceptable.

Families also describe the frustration of raising concerns and getting nowhere. They shouldn’t have to keep asking for basic care while worrying about what happens when they’re not there.

## Q: What do you wish families knew earlier about how to choose a nursing home?

A: I wish families knew how suddenly they might have to make that decision. After my mom was hospitalized, I was told she needed skilled rehab. We had only a couple of days to choose a facility.

You’re already worried about your loved one. Now you’re expected to find a place where they’ll be cared for, not [injured](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/nursing-home-injuries/) or neglected, with almost no time to research it.

And moving them somewhere else isn’t a simple fix if the care is poor. Moving a loved one can be very difficult, especially if they’re already seriously ill.

Along with finding a facility that can meet your loved one’s care needs, I think it’s essential to choose one close enough for someone to visit regularly, see how they’re doing, and speak up if something seems wrong.

I’d encourage families to **start exploring options before there’s an urgent need**, when possible, though I know that isn’t always realistic. Families need enough time and support to find safe care, not just a deadline.

## Q: What should families do when their concerns are brushed off as “just dementia”?

A: I wouldn’t let “just dementia” end the conversation. A person can have dementia and still be in pain, frightened, or mistreated. Difficulty explaining what happened is a reason to look more closely, not dismiss them.

I’d write down what I noticed and ask what staff have done to investigate. A sudden change in behavior, even with dementia, may require prompt medical attention.

Residents who have trouble communicating may not be able to tell you they’re in pain from something serious, including [severe bedsores](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/legal/can-you-sue-for-bedsores/) that may be hidden by clothing or bedding.

Staff shouldn’t assume every change is caused by dementia without checking for other causes. Your loved one shouldn’t have to explain everything perfectly to be taken seriously.

## Q: What makes it difficult for families to speak up about poor care?

A: I think a big part of it is fear. Families worry that if they [complain about a nursing home](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/blog/most-common-nursing-home-complaints/), their loved one will get even worse care. They can leave after that conversation, but their loved one is still depending on those same staff members for help.

There’s also a lot of second-guessing. Families may wonder if they’re expecting too much, especially when their concerns are dismissed. Some feel bad pressing an issue because they see how overwhelmed the staff often are.

Remember, asking for help with eating, bathing, or using the bathroom isn’t asking for special treatment. **Families shouldn’t have to apologize** for wanting their loved one to be safe and cared for.

## Q: What would you say to a family who blames themselves after their loved one is harmed in a nursing home?

A: I’d remind them that they were trying to get their loved one the care they needed. They weren’t wrong to expect a facility would be safe. Choosing a nursing home doesn’t make you responsible for its [neglect or abuse](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/nursing-home-abuse/types/).

Families may look back and think, “I chose that place,” or “I should have visited more.” But you can’t be there around the clock making sure your loved one is fed, kept clean, and treated properly.

That’s what nursing home staff should have done — and if they failed, the staff members may ultimately be at fault for the harm that occurred.

## Q: What did working at a nursing home injury law firm​ teach you?

A: It taught me that families often need help before they know if they have a [nursing home abuse lawsuit](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/legal/lawsuit/). They know their loved one was harmed, but they may not understand what happened or who was responsible.

Taking calls from across the country showed me the same problems coming up again and again. It wasn’t always about one employee. Missed care could reflect bigger problems with staffing and how the facility was being run.

It also taught me how important it is to listen and explain things plainly. Families contacting a law firm are already dealing with enough. They need someone to take their concerns seriously and explain their options, not pressure them or confuse them with legal language.

## Q: Where does someone worried about a loved one in a nursing home start?

A: **If your loved one is in immediate danger, call 911.** Otherwise, I’d start by writing down what’s worrying you, including dates, what you’ve noticed, and what your loved one has told you.

You don’t have to rely only on the nursing home for answers. A [long-term care ombudsman](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/elder-abuse/ombudsman/) can help address care complaints, and the state agency that oversees nursing homes can investigate suspected abuse or neglect.

If you think poor care caused harm, you can also contact a nursing home attorney for a [free case review](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/legal-case-review/). Explain what you know and ask what you can do. You don’t need to figure it out on your own before asking for help.

## Get Help for Nursing Home Abuse

The Nursing Home Abuse Center helps families seek answers and accountability after abuse or neglect. We’re grateful to senior care advisor Julie Rivers for sharing her experience and helping families understand where to turn when they’re worried about a loved one’s care.

For** more than 45 years**, our legal partners have fought for families affected by nursing home abuse and neglect. So far, they’ve recovered **over $337 million** nationwide.

If your loved one was injured or passed away and you suspect poor nursing home care played a role, **call [(855) 264-6310](tel:+18552646310)** or [get a free case review](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/legal-case-review/) right now. **We’re available 24/7** to listen and help you explore your legal options.

Posted in [Elder Care](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/blog/category/elder-care/), [Nursing Home Care](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/blog/category/nursing-home-care/)Tagged [advocates for nursing home residents](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/blog/tag/advocates-for-nursing-home-residents/), [Elder Advocate](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/blog/tag/elder-advocate/), [nursing home advocate](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/blog/tag/nursing-home-advocate/)

**Nursing Home Abuse Support Team**Last modified: October 6, 2026

**Written by:**__[The Nursing Home Abuse Center Team](https://www.nursinghomeabusecenter.com/about/ "The Nursing Home Abuse Center Team")__

The Nursing Home Abuse Center (NHAC) was founded to bring justice to those affected by nursing home and elder abuse. Our mission is to educate and empower victims of abuse and their families to take a stand against this unlawful mistreatment. We work to return dignity back to those who have been broken down by nursing home abuse and neglect.