Illinois and Missouri Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer
Many families perform ample research before placing their loved ones in the care of nursing home facilities. However, the truth of what happens in a nursing home is often not exposed in one visit. It may take a few visits while your mother, father, grandmother, grandfather or other loved one is already in its care to notice the neglect and/or abuse that is happening.
What is Nursing home abuse?
Abuse is something that is done to an individual — such as hitting or sexually assaulting him or her. Neglect occurs when something is not done. For example, if a person who cannot move without help is not rotated in bed or repositioned in a wheelchair regularly, bedsores can occur. If someone is not watched carefully, he or she could wander off. There are many ways in which your loved one may be suffering, and we can help your family hold the nursing home and staff accountable.
Many families, especially those we have helped with wrongful death claims, simply follow through with the claim in an attempt to hold the facility accountable and stop this kind of pain from happening to other families.
If you suspect your elderly loved one is being abused or neglected while living in a nursing home, please do not hesitate to reach out to our skilled Edwardsville nursing home abuse lawyer. We offer free initial consultations and can be reached at (618) 655-1234. You can also contact our Southern Illinois nursing home neglect attorney online.
What Are The Signs of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect in Illinois and Missouri?
If you even suspect that your loved one is suffering from nursing home abuse or neglect, it is worth your time to speak with our Southern Illinois nursing home neglect attorney. Signs that might mean your loved one is being abused or neglected include:
Physical injuries to an elderly loved one
Unexplained bruises, cuts, scrapes, or burns can be signs of physical abuse or neglect. This may include injuries such as black eyes, broken bones, dislocated joints, or sprains.
Nursing home staff have a responsibility to keep residents safe and to report any injuries immediately. If you see a resident with unexplained physical injuries, it is important to report it to the authorities.
Emotional distress
Residents who are withdrawn, depressed, or anxious may be victims of emotional abuse or neglect. Emotional abuse can include verbal abuse, intimidation, and threats.
Neglect can also lead to emotional distress in residents, as they may feel isolated and alone. If you notice a resident who is withdrawn or seems upset, it is important to talk to them and let them know that you are there for them. You should also report your concerns to the authorities.
Unexplained, sudden changes in behavior
A sudden change in behavior, such as becoming aggressive or withdrawn, can be a sign of abuse or neglect. This may be due to physical abuse, emotional abuse, or neglect. If you notice a resident who is behaving differently than usual, it is important to report it to the authorities.
Poor hygiene observed in a patient
Residents who are not properly bathed or dressed, or who have bedsores, may be victims of neglect. Nursing home staff have a responsibility to keep residents clean and comfortable. If you see a resident who is not properly bathed or dressed, or who has bedsores, it is important to report it to the authorities.
Malnutrition
Residents who are losing weight or who have other signs of malnutrition may be victims of neglect. Nursing home staff have a responsibility to ensure that residents are eating a healthy diet. If you see a resident who is losing weight or who shows other signs of malnutrition, it is important to report it to the authorities.
Unsanitary conditions
A nursing home that is dirty or has a strong odor may be a sign of neglect. Nursing home staff have a responsibility to keep the facility clean and sanitary. If you see a nursing home that is dirty or has a strong odor, it is important to report it to the authorities.
Additionally,
- Bedsores
- Fractures
- Bruises and/or abrasions
- Weight loss
- Change in personality
- Dehydration
Of course, if something just seems “off” with your loved one, it is something to investigate and document in case you need to compile evidence. If you suspect abuse in a loved one who is currently in a nursing home, make sure to keep a detailed log to present to a qualified Illinois nursing home abuse attorney.
Where do I file a complaint against nursing home abuse or neglect in Illinois?
If you are concerned about the well-being of a nursing home resident, please do not hesitate to report your concerns to the authorities. You can contact the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, or the Illinois Attorney General’s Office.
There are several ways to file a complaint against nursing home abuse or neglect in Illinois:
- Contact the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH): The IDPH is responsible for investigating allegations of abuse and neglect in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. You can file a complaint online or by calling the IDPH’s long-term care complaint hotline at 1-800-252-4343.
- Contact the Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: The Ombudsman Program is an independent advocacy program that helps residents of long-term care facilities resolve complaints and concerns. You can contact the Ombudsman Program by calling 1-800-252-8966.
- Contact the Illinois Attorney General’s Office: The Attorney General’s Office investigates and prosecutes cases of nursing home abuse and neglect. You can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Office online or by calling 1-800-386-7532.
Here are some additional tips for reporting nursing home abuse or neglect:
- Be specific: When you file a complaint, be as specific as possible about the abuse or neglect that you have seen or heard about. This will help the authorities investigate your complaint more effectively.
- Keep records: If you have any evidence of abuse or neglect, such as photos, documents, or witness statements, keep it safe. This evidence can be helpful in supporting your complaint.
- Be prepared to follow up: Once you have filed a complaint, be prepared to follow up with the authorities to ensure that your complaint is being investigated properly.
If you are concerned about the well-being of a nursing home resident, please do not hesitate to report your concerns to the authorities.
Contact an Edwardsville, IL Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
If a loved one is being abused or neglected at a nursing home, or if you suspect that a loved one’s death was caused by abuse or neglect, please call us to schedule your free consultation. We can be reached at (618) 655-1234, or you can contact our Southern Illinois nursing home neglect attorney online.
