When we make the decision to move our elderly loved ones into extended care facilities, we don’t do it easily. We want what’s best for our family members and we expect the caregivers and staff at the facility we choose to want the same. However, even after months of research and careful selection, many nursing homes fail to provide adequate care for elderly individuals.
According to the National Center on Elderly Abuse (NCEA), it’s estimated that 1 in 10 elderly adults (aged 60+) suffer from some form of abuse every year in the United States. If you know someone who is suffering abuse or neglect in a nursing home or long-term care facility, a Princeton, IL nursing home abuse lawyer is ready to help. Our elders are some of the most vulnerable members of our community and it’s our job to stand up and protect them. Contact us to better understand your right to hold those who mistreated you or your loved one accountable for their actions.
Types of Elder Abuse
Nursing home abuse is a growing problem, and unfortunately, no two abuse cases are the same. There are different ways that a nursing home resident may suffer harm or abuse, most often seen in the following ways:
- Physical: Any kind of physical harm such as hitting, kicking, slapping, restraining, etc.
- Emotional: Any kind of mental or psychological harm such as verbal threats, insults, etc.
- Sexual: Any kind of non-consensual contact including inappropriate touching, molestation, rape, etc.
- Financial: Any unauthorized use of the elderly individual’s bank cards, checkbooks, credit cards, etc.
- Neglect: Failure to prevent the elderly person from suffering abuse or mistreatment, including abandonment, denial of food or care or health services, etc.
These types of abuse can happen to anyone at any time and cases are on the rise due to a mixture of a lack of staffing and many facilities being owned by corporations or larger healthcare companies. Instead of being stand-alone businesses with trusted staff, most nursing homes have a high turnover of employees, and the day-to-day operations are not closely monitored, leading to higher instances of abuse and neglect.
Signs of Abuse to Look For
It’s important to understand that many elderly abuse victims will suffer in silence often because they have been threatened, they feel ashamed, or they don’t think anyone will believe them. This is why it’s equally as important to visit your loved one often, or have a trusted friend or family member do so, and stay aware of any sudden changes.
Common signs of abuse our office sees are:
- Malnutrition or dehydration
- Bedsores or other skin concerns
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Loss of the elderly person’s belongings
- Unexplained bruising or cuts
- Unexplained monetary withdrawals
- Sudden changes in a will or other document
- Sudden changes in behavior
- Staff refusing access or delaying visitors
- Staff refusing to leave the elderly individual alone
If your loved one shows some of the previously mentioned signs or symptoms, they may not be suffering abuse, however they likely are. It’s in the best interest of your loved one to err on the side of caution and dig deeper if you have any suspicions about your loved one’s care. Reaching out to law enforcement is recommended and you can also always speak with a Princeton, IL nursing home abuse lawyer. Meeting with our legal team for a free consultation is always free at Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP.
Reporting Suspected Nursing Home Abuse
Illinois State Statute 320 ILCS 20, the Adult Protective Services Act, allows anyone to report in good faith suspected abandonment or abuse of adults aged 60 or older, or people aged 18-59 who have disabilities, without fear of liability or legal action. Reports of elderly or adult abuse can be made anonymously.
Additionally, 320 ILCS 20/2 section f-5 shows a list of professions that are considered “mandated reporters” by Illinois law, including but not limited to the following professionals:
- Social services
- Law enforcement
- Educators
- Religious practitioners
- Community workers
- State employees
There are many other professions aside from these mentioned and if your profession is one listed or even if it’s not and you believe abuse is occurring in a nursing home or long-term care facility, you can report your suspicions.
If your loved one or another nursing home resident is in immediate danger, calling local law enforcement is best to ensure the elderly individual is removed from harm as soon as possible. However, if your loved one is not in immediate danger, you can contact the following:
- Illinois Adult Protective Services 24-hour Hotline: 1-866-800-1409
- Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Public Contact List
- Illinois Senior Help Line: 1-800-252-8966
Our legal team at Schweickert Ganassin Krzak Rundio, LLP is always available to take your call. So, reach out to our office for a free consultation with a Princeton, IL nursing home abuse lawyer to see how we can assist you with keeping your elderly loved one safe.
