A frightening situation unfolded late one morning when a nursing home resident turned to 911 after she said no one at her facility responded to her repeated calls for help.
According to the Portsmouth Police Department, officers were contacted around 11:30 a.m. after a woman inside a local nursing home called emergency dispatch herself. She told dispatchers she had been yelling for help, felt stuck, and had not seen any staff come to check on her.
The woman also said she was unsure which button in her room activated the nurse call system, leaving her unsure how to reach staff inside the facility.
An officer responded and was able to make contact with someone at the nursing home, who advised they would immediately go check on the resident. The call was then cleared.
No further issues were reported, but the incident highlights a concern many families quietly worry about — what happens when residents feel unheard or unsure how to get help.
Tips for Nursing Home Residents
- Ask staff to clearly explain the call button and which button does what — and don’t hesitate to ask again.
- Test the call button regularly when staff are present so you know it works.
- Speak up early if response times feel slow or confusing — waiting can make situations worse.
- Keep important numbers nearby if you are able to use a phone independently.
Tips for Family Members
- Ask staff to demonstrate the call system when your loved one is admitted — and re-check if their room changes.
- Visit at different times of day to observe response times and staffing patterns.
- Encourage your loved one to speak up if they feel ignored or confused.
- Document concerns and follow up with facility management if problems repeat.
While police were able to help connect the resident with staff this time, families and residents alike say no one should feel so helpless that 911 feels like the only option.