As our loved ones get older, we might have to decide to place them in one of the 1,200 assisted care facilities or nursing homes in Illinois. When that happens, you expect them to receive only quality care. However, that is not always the case. Sometimes, they can be subjected to abuse and neglect, leaving them with physical and emotional scars.
If you believe that your family member has suffered at the hands of a nursing home staff member or another resident, you have legal options to hold them accountable for their actions. At Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP, we believe everyone deserves respect and that our most vulnerable Illinois residents must be protected from harm. Contact us today to speak to an Ottawa nursing home abuse lawyer to learn more about your legal options for holding any responsible parties liable for their actions.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse
We may not want to think about it, but nursing home abuse is a serious concern across the United States and other countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about two out of every three nursing homes and long-term care facilities had staff that self-reported elder abuse in the past year.
Unfortunately, there are several types of nursing home abuse, each with its visual and hidden signs. The most common kinds include:
Physical Abuse
This abuse involves intentional harm or injury inflicted upon residents by caregivers or other residents. Signs may include unexplained bruises, broken bones, or bleeding. Vigilance is vital to detect and prevent physical abuse. As a family member, you need to regularly check for any unexplained injuries and bruises on your loved ones. Additionally, if your family member is showing signs of fear or anxiety around certain caregivers, that could be an indication of physical abuse.
Neglect
Neglect occurs when caregivers fail to meet residents’ basic needs. They may fail to provide food, water, or necessary medical care. Unfortunately, severe neglect can cause serious health consequences for your loved one. You will want to be mindful of any signs of malnutrition, dehydration, or untreated medical conditions. If you visit and there are signs of unclean living conditions or poor personal hygiene, it can also indicate neglect.
Sexual Assault
Unwanted sexual contact or assault against nursing home residents is a severe violation of the resident’s rights. Unfortunately, some prey upon the most vulnerable individuals in these nursing home facilities. Sometimes, the abuse can be perpetrated by staff members or other residents. You will want to look out for any unexplained sexually transmitted infections, bruises around the genitals, or sudden changes in behavior that may indicate symptoms of sexual abuse.
Emotional Abuse
Verbal mistreatment and other types of emotional abuse are not only demeaning to the resident, but they can also lead to psychological harm. Residents may experience anxiety, depression, or fear due to emotional abuse. Once again, you will want to be vigilant about spotting sudden changes in your loved one’s behavior, such as becoming withdrawn, fearful, or unusually quiet. All these could point to a sign of emotional abuse.
Financial Exploitation
Some staff members may try to exploit residents and misuse their funds or assets. Keep a close eye on your loved ones’ financial accounts and be wary of any sudden or unexplained changes in their financial situation. If any legal document, like a will, has been suddenly changed without explanation, that could also be a sign of economic exploitation.
Recognizing these signs and taking early action against nursing home abuse can prevent long-term harm. If you suspect abuse, reach out to Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP and seek legal advice for your situation.
Who Is Responsible for Nursing Home Abuse?
In cases of nursing home abuse, liability can fall on various parties, such as:
- Medical staff and caregivers: Caregivers, nurses, and other staff members are directly involved in the resident’s care. They can be held liable if they neglect their duties or intentionally harm residents.
- Facility management and administration: Administrators, owners, and management personnel are responsible for maintaining a safe environment for everyone. They may need to be held accountable if they fail to prevent incidents or address abuse complaints.
- A nursing home facility: The nursing home itself may be liable if it fails to provide adequate training, supervision, or proper protocols to prevent abuse. Their negligence can lead to legal consequences.
- Contractors and third parties: If the abuse occurs due to contractors’ negligence, such as a maintenance worker or third-party service providers, these individuals and their employers may be held accountable.
- Other residents: If abuse occurs at the hands of another resident, the nursing home may still be liable if they fail to prevent these incidents from happening at their facility.
If you suspect someone has harmed your loved one, you must seek legal assistance as soon as possible. An Ottawa nursing home abuse lawyer can help you explore potential legal action against these parties.
Steps To Take If You Suspect Abuse
If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect in Illinois, here are the following steps to ensure the safety and well-being of your loved one:
- Contact law enforcement: If you believe your loved one is in immediate danger, do not hesitate to call 911 for assistance, especially if you believe a crime has been committed, such as sexual abuse or financial exploitation.
- Talk to the nursing home administrators: While you may want to skip this step, having a spare trial of the reposted abuse is important. Sometimes, they may claim that they didn’t know of the incident, allowing them to place blame on other parties. Keep all records of your interactions with the home’s staff and administrators.
- Report your concerns to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH): To report concerns and seek additional help, call the Nursing Home Hotline at 1-800-252-4343 or 1-800-547-0466 (TTY). You can also make a submission through the IDPH File a Health Care Complaint online tool.
- Contact an Ottawa nursing home abuse attorney: After these steps, you will want to get legal advice from a trusted law firm. At Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP, we have attorneys specializing in nursing home abuse on staff. We can help you take the appropriate legal action to ensure the well-being of your loved one.
Remember that your loved one’s safety is the top priority. You need to stay vigilant and look out for any signs of abuse. If you suspect that the staff members or assisted living facility itself failed to protect your loved one, you have legal options.
Get the Legal Help You Need for Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Cases
Suspecting that your loved one has suffered some type of abuse or neglect in an Ottawa, IL nursing home can be traumatizing for you and them. Fortunately, there are legal options to help you seek creation for their physical injuries, financial losses, and emotional trauma.
At Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP, we understand how distressing situations involving suspected abuse and neglect can be for everyone. This is why we want to discuss what happened to you or your loved one and help you navigate your legal options. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with an Ottawa nursing home abuse lawyer.
