According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, more than 1,300,000 people receive care from nursing homes annually. This number is expected to rise because people over the age of 85 make up one of the fastest-growing populations. Unfortunately, the increasing demand for long-term care has coincided with a spike in the number of reports related to nursing home abuse and negligence.
According to ABC News, a nationwide study revealed that approximately 30 percent of nursing homes had received a citation for abuse over a two-year period. There is no excuse for elder abuse, and if you or a member of your family was mistreated at a nursing home, it is critical that you take immediate action.
You may have grounds for a claim against the at-fault caregiver or the nursing home facility. If the incident happened in Illinois, turn to the Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd for legal guidance.
Yao O. Dinizulu is an elder abuse attorney in Chicago who will help you file a nursing home lawsuit. Call 312-384-1920 today to schedule a consultation.
Read on to learn three facts that you should know before your loved one enters a nursing home:
- Minor Issues Could Indicate Major Underlying Problems
There are many types of nursing home abuse, and some forms are easier to notice than others. While physical abuse might cause bruises or broken bones, negligence and emotional abuse are often difficult to identify.
You should be concerned if you notice an abrupt change in your loved one’s behavior. Another red flag is when a caregiver will not let you visit your relative unsupervised.
- Emotional Abuse Can Be Just as Damaging as Physical Abuse
It is often difficult to notice the symptoms of emotional abuse, but it can have a profound effect on your loved one’s psychological health. Examples of emotional abuse include social isolation and humiliation. Emotional abuse can lead to anxiety and depression, which can contribute to a decline in a nursing home resident’s health.
- Financial Abuse Is a Very Real Threat
The elderly are a vulnerable population, and some caregivers take advantage of their patients’ cognitive decline by coercing them into making changes to their will or giving them money. If you notice unexpected transactions to a caregiver’s account, contact a nursing home abuse lawyer to discuss your situation.
Yao O. Dinizulu is an elder abuse attorney in Chicago with a reputation for tough litigation and strategy for winning substantial settlements and verdicts for his clients. Mr. Dinizulu will help you hold the at-fault caregiver accountable and fight for the maximum compensation.
By taking action, not only might you be able to recover compensation for medical bills and other damages, but you also might save other residents from the same mistreatment. Call 312-384-1920 today to schedule a consultation. If you would like to learn more about nursing home abuse claims in Illinois, visit nursing-home-abuse.usattorneys.com/illinois.
