Compassionate Elder Rights Advocate Serving Clients Throughout Cook County
The decision to place a loved one in a nursing home or other long-term care facility is not an easy one. While a family may perform due diligence in visiting facilities, conducting research, and interviewing a facility’s staff and management, they will never know what their loved one’s day-to-day life will be like behind closed doors. Sadly, the rate of nursing home abuse and neglect is high. In fact, one study found that more than one fourth of all nursing home residents are subject to physical abuse, and over 15 percent experience gross neglect. At Fotopoulos Law Office, we represent Cook County and Will County residents and their families in nursing home abuse and neglect lawsuits. We can help you hold nursing home staff and management accountable for the harm your loved one has suffered.
What Is Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse is the intentional mistreatment of nursing home residents. While people may associate nursing home abuse with physical assaults, there are a variety of other forms of abuse, such as:
- Verbal abuse
- Emotional or psychological abuse
- Improper restraint
- Sexual abuse
- Financial abuse
If you have concerns about your loved one’s safety, our Cook County nursing home abuse lawyer can help.
What Is Nursing Home Neglect?
Nursing homes have a legal duty to provide for the basic needs of their residents. This includes assisting residents with their daily grooming, providing medical attention when necessary, and ensuring that residents receive adequate nutrition. Nursing home staff should also ensure that residents have the chance to socialize and be around others. A nursing home may be found to be negligent if it failed to provide for the basic needs of a resident, and patients may suffer serious harm due to nursing home neglect.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
Nursing home abuse and neglect are often hard to recognize. Staff members or others who commit abuse may try to cover their tracks, and a facility may attempt to conceal any practices that could cause patients to suffer harm. Additionally, an elderly or disabled person may not be able to articulate what they are experiencing, or they may fear they will not be taken seriously or that they could be punished for telling others about the abuse they have experienced. Families with loved ones in nursing homes should keep an eye out for the following, as they are potential signs of abuse or neglect:
- Bedsores or pressure ulcers
- Broken bones
- Changes in a resident’s mood
- Frequent falls
- Incontinence
- Unexplained bruising
- Weight loss
- Social withdrawal
- Fear of a staff member or a desire not to be left alone
A high turnover rate and visibly frustrated nursing home staff are also signs that something is not right. If it seems like a facility’s staff members are too busy to provide the necessary care, this may be an indication that the nursing home is understaffed, which will affect residents’ ability to receive the care and assistance they need.
Causes of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
For the most part, nursing home staff start off with the best of intentions. However, the realities of working in a nursing home can wear down even the most compassionate workers. In recent years, nursing homes have had a very difficult time maintaining adequate staffing levels. When fewer workers are available to carry out the day-to-day operations of the facility, this can lead to burnout among the remaining staff. In these situations, staff members may become less patient, and they may have less time to spend with each resident.
Unqualified and poorly trained staff is another common cause of nursing home neglect and abuse. In an effort to fill vacancies, nursing home management will often scramble to find workers. This may mean bringing on employees without performing background checks or allowing staff members to care for patients without providing them with the necessary training.
Where to Report Nursing Home Abuse in Cook County, IL?
Nursing home abuse is a serious issue that affects vulnerable individuals in Cook County, Illinois. It’s crucial to report any suspected abuse or neglect to protect residents and ensure they receive the care and dignity they deserve. This guide provides information on where and how to report nursing home abuse in Cook County.
Understanding Nursing Home Abuse
Nursing home abuse can take many forms, including:
- Physical Abuse: This involves the use of force that causes bodily harm, such as hitting, kicking, pushing, or restraining.
- Emotional Abuse: This includes verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, humiliation, and isolation, which can cause psychological harm.
- Sexual Abuse: This involves any sexual act without the resident’s consent.
- Neglect: This occurs when a nursing home fails to provide necessary care, such as food, water, hygiene, or medical treatment.
- Financial Exploitation: This involves the misuse of a resident’s funds or property.
Where to Report Nursing Home Abuse in Cook County
Several agencies and organizations in Cook County can help if you suspect nursing home abuse. It’s essential to report to the appropriate authorities to ensure a proper investigation and resolution.
1. Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
The IDPH is the primary agency responsible for licensing and regulating nursing homes in Illinois. They investigate complaints of abuse and neglect in these facilities.
o Nursing Home Complaint Hotline: 1-800-252-4343 (24/7)
o Online: You can also file a complaint online through the IDPH website. Search for “IDPH Nursing Home Complaint Form”.
2. Adult Protective Services (APS)
APS investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of adults aged 60 and older and people with disabilities aged 18-59. While IDPH focuses on the facility, APS focuses on the resident.
o Statewide 24-Hour Hotline: 1-866-800-1409
3. Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
Ombudsmen are advocates for residents of long-term care facilities, including nursing homes. They investigate complaints, work to resolve problems, and promote residents’ rights.
o Contact your regional ombudsman office. The Illinois Department on Aging’s Senior HelpLine (1-800-252-8966) can provide contact information for the regional ombudsman in Cook County.
4. Illinois Department on Aging Senior HelpLine
The Senior HelpLine provides information and assistance to older adults, their families, and caregivers. They can also take reports of abuse and neglect and refer them to the appropriate agencies.
o Senior HelpLine: 1-800-252-8966
5. Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS)
DFSS offers various services to older adults in Chicago, including investigating reports of elder abuse.
o DFSS: 312-744-4016
6. Law Enforcement
If you believe a resident is in immediate danger, call 911 or the local police department. Law enforcement may need to be involved, especially in cases of serious physical or sexual abuse.
7. Guardianship and Advocacy Commission (GAC)
GAC is an independent state agency that protects the rights of persons with disabilities.
o GAC: 1-866-274-8023
The Reporting Process
- Gather Information: Before reporting, try to gather as much information as possible, including:
o The resident’s name and any other identifying information.
o The name of the nursing home and its address.
o A detailed description of the abuse or neglect, including the type, frequency, and any specific incidents.
o The names of any staff members involved, if known.
o Dates and times of the incidents.
o Any witnesses to the abuse or neglect.
o Any evidence, such as photos, medical records, or other documents.
- Report to the Appropriate Agency: Contact the agency that handles the specific type of abuse or neglect. In most cases involving nursing homes, this will be the IDPH.
- Cooperate with the Investigation: Be prepared to provide additional information and cooperate with the investigating agency.
- Follow Up: Follow up with the agency to check on the status of the investigation and ensure that appropriate action is taken.
Key Considerations When Reporting
- Confidentiality: Reports of abuse and neglect are generally kept confidential.
- Good Faith Reporting: Illinois law protects individuals who report abuse or neglect in good faith from liability.
- Mandated Reporters: Certain professionals, such as healthcare providers, social workers, and law enforcement officers, are required by law to report suspected abuse.
Protecting Residents and Preventing Abuse
Reporting suspected abuse is crucial, but preventing it is also essential. Here are some steps you can take to protect nursing home residents:
- Visit Regularly: Frequent visits can help you monitor the resident’s care and identify any potential problems.
- Communicate with Staff: Get to know the staff and communicate regularly about the resident’s needs and care.
- Know Residents’ Rights: Familiarize yourself with residents’ rights and ensure that the nursing home is respecting them.
- Be an Advocate: Speak up if you have concerns about the resident’s care or safety.
- Choose a Reputable Facility: When selecting a nursing home, research its reputation, check its licensing and inspection records, and visit the facility to observe the care provided.
By being vigilant and reporting any concerns, you can help protect vulnerable nursing home residents from abuse and neglect and ensure they receive the quality care they deserve.
Contact a Will County Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer
If you believe that your loved one is experienced neglect or abuse at a nursing home in Orland Park, Joliet, or other surrounding communities, reach out to Fotopoulos Law Office for immediate assistance. We have over 20 years of hands-on experience investigating claims of nursing home negligence and abuse, and we know what it takes to bring a successful case. We handle all personal injury cases on a contingency basis, meaning we will never bill you for our services unless we have recovered compensation on your behalf. To learn more about how we can help with your case, reach out to Fotopoulos Law Office at 708-942-8400 or through our online contact form and schedule a free consultation today.
