Boise Senior AdvisorWho handles complaints about assisted living in Boise?
IDHW's Residential Assisted Living Facilities Program investigates complaints about licensed RALFs; it can be reached at (208) 364-1962 or RALF@dhw.idaho.gov during business hours, and its program page links to the complaint process.
A complaint investigation is a survey of its own. It shows up on the facility's record as a dated line with its result, though not the name of the person who complained. Complaints about a nursing home go to IDHW's licensing and certification staff, which survey nursing homes for CMS.
Who investigates abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult in Idaho?
Adult Protective Services, which in Idaho is run through the Area Agencies on Aging: in Ada, Canyon, Gem, Boise and Owyhee counties that is Area 3, the Southwest Idaho Area Agency on Aging, at (208) 898-7060 (toll-free (844) 850-2883).
The Idaho Commission on Aging says APS responds to reports about adults 18 and older involving financial exploitation, human trafficking, neglect by others or self-neglect, and physical, psychological or sexual abuse. IDHW's RALF page also links to APS online reporting. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 first.
What does the long-term care ombudsman do for Treasure Valley residents?
The ombudsman is a resident advocate who helps people living in nursing homes, RALFs and certified family homes resolve problems with their care, rights, charges or discharges; for our five counties the program runs through the Area 3 agency.
Idaho's rules write the ombudsman into the admission agreement (as the place to contest charges and rate increases) and into every discharge notice. Ombudsman help is free and confidential, and it does not depend on whether a complaint has been filed with IDHW.
What should families write down before reporting a concern?
Write down dates, times, names, what you saw or were told, and any photos or documents, and keep copies of the admission agreement and the negotiated service agreement.
- For a missed medication: the drug, date, and who was on shift.
- For a fall or injury: when the family was told, and whether a nurse assessed the resident.
- For a billing dispute: the agreement's rate-increase clause and the notice you received.
- For a discharge: the notice itself, which must name the ombudsman and Disability Rights Idaho.
Side by side
| Who to call | What it handles | |
|---|---|---|
| Assisted living care | IDHW RALF program, (208) 364-1962 | Care problems in a licensed RALF, investigated as a complaint survey |
| Abuse or neglect | Area 3 Adult Protective Services, (208) 898-7060 | Abuse, neglect or exploitation of a vulnerable adult |
| Resident rights | Area 3 long-term care ombudsman | Advocacy on care, charges and discharges |
| Emergency | 911 | Immediate danger |
Drawn from IDAPA 16.03.22, Idaho Code 39-33, IDHW and Idaho Commission on Aging publications, CareScout, CMS and the VA; our editorial standards explain how we check them.
