There are an increasing number of nursing home neglect cases being filed in courts all over the United States. This is, in part, due to the aging population and an increasing number of residents in most long term care facilities. Many of these facilities are profiting from these rising numbers but not hiring additional staff, leaving areas where necessary care and services are not provided or are greatly limited.
A nursing home, by Illinois law, is required to care for patients as outlined in the Nursing Home Care Act, which includes taking care of the physical and mental well-being as well as care for their social needs and provide opportunities to be involved in activities. When these requirements are not met nursing home neglect cases may be possible.
What to Look For
Most nursing home neglect cases are brought by the family of the elderly person and not by the resident or patient in the home. Typically family members will witness or hear about issues such as bedsores that are untreated or become worse, poor qualify food, dehydration, poor personal hygiene, dirty or soiled bedding, rooms that are infrequently cleaned and maintained or serious health issues with the family member including infections, bruises, or changes in mental alertness.
Signs at a Nursing Home
Often there are other signs at the facility that provide support for nursing home neglect cases. This could include other patients with the same experiences and complaints as your loved one, staff that is uncaring or unresponsive to complaints, high staff turnover, inexperienced staff or lack of planned and structured activities for residents on an ongoing basis.
Since neglect can be very difficult to prove, especially with elderly patients that may have dementia, Alzheimer’s or other cognitive difficulties, getting an attorney involved as soon as possible is essential if you think that neglect is occurring.
Nursing home neglect cases are often won by extensive documentation and evidence gathering that takes time to complete. In cases where neglect is suspected you may also want to have your loved one moved to a new facility to prevent further concerns and to provide them with the care, support and professional services that they require and deserve.
For more information on nursing home neglect cases see our website.
