You might be shocked to learn that there are more nursing home abuse cases in Illinois than any other state in America. Even some of the nation’s most populous states like Texas and California trail behind Illinois when it comes to mistreatment of elders in nursing homes.

Causes of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

If one of your loved ones lives in a nursing home or needs to be in a nursing home, this is frightening information. How are you to know if a nursing home provides quality care that enhances well-being or is one with severe neglect and abuse violations? What happens if you learn they are a victim of abuse? It’s imperative that you take time to research nursing homes and their track records to ensure you are choosing a safe facility for your loved one. If you suspect or witness nursing home abuse or neglect, contact Champaign nursing home attorneys as soon as possible.

Multiple factors lead to the neglect and abuse that Illinois nursing home residents are subjected to each day. Of the 15,600 plus nursing homes in the United States, about 1,200 of them are located in Illinois. Approximately 100,000 Illinois residents live in these facilities.

For-profit facilities make up about 70% of nursing homes in this state. As a for-profit entity, they are under pressure to make a profit. This fact creates an inherent conflict of interest. While their priority should be providing the best care possible to their residents, nursing homes instead are prioritizing money over people.

Nursing homes can put patients at risk by:

1. Reducing staffing numbers
2. Employing workers who lack experience and failing to provide them with adequate training
3. Disregarding Illinois laws and industry guidelines
4. Discounting reports of neglect and abuse
5. Minimizing or not disclosing these problems to clients and family members

It is often challenging for nursing homes to find experienced employees who genuinely care about their residents. They also face budget constraints that incentivize them to decrease the number of staff that care for the residents.

There’s no excuse for the poor care and abuse that many seniors fall victim to in Illinois. The good news is, there are steps you can take to protect your loved one. It starts with meeting with skilled Champaign nursing home lawyers to discuss the situation.

Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

It can be difficult to know when a loved one is a victim and, therefore, when to contact Champaign nursing home lawyers. 

Anyone who has a family member in a nursing home should be keenly aware of the signs of nursing home abuse and neglect. Since there are many different types of abuse and neglect in nursing homes, it can sometimes be challenging to spot. Look for the following:

1. Bedsores, also known as pressure sores or decubitus ulcers
2. Malnutrition and dehydration
3. Infections
4. Clogged breathing tubes
5. Medication errors
6. The use of physical or chemical restraints
7. Wandering away from the facility and elopement
8. Falls
9. Unexplained injuries such as fractures or bruises
10. Sudden emotional withdrawal
11. Expressing a desire to change legal documents
12. New diagnosis of an STD
13. Refusal to talk when nursing home staff is present

Laws Protecting Seniors from Nursing Home Abuse

Several state and federal laws are in place to protect nursing home residents from abuse and neglect. Nursing home administrators and staff are fully aware of these laws; still, nursing home abuse occurs.

Enacted in 1987, the U.S. Nursing Home Reform Act aims to protect the physical, mental, and psychosocial health of all nursing home and skilled care residents. The Illinois Nursing Home Care Act is a state law regulating all licensed nursing home facilities. It provides and clearly defines all Illinois residents’ legal rights.

Do You Suspect Nursing Home Abuse? Champaign Nursing Home Attorneys Can Help

Just because nursing homes don’t take abuse and neglect seriously and often turn a blind eye, it doesn’t mean that family members should do the same. Our legal staff can help by determining who should be held accountable for your loved one’s physical and emotional injuries. We can file a lawsuit on their behalf and aggressively pursue the compensation they deserve.

If you suspect that your loved one is the victim of abuse or neglect in a nursing home, act immediately by contacting the seasoned Champaign nursing home attorneys at Malman Law. We offer free, confidential consultations. Call (312) 629-0099 today or use our online contact form to receive yours. The sooner you reach out for help, the sooner we can act to protect your family member.

Other Champaign practice areas: