Uncategorized | Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd

Ex-Nursing Home Employee Alleges Neglect, Filthy Living Conditions in Illinois Nursing Home

May 27, 2022/in Blog, Uncategorized/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – A former employee at the River Crossing of Moline alleges neglect of residents and filthy living conditions at the nursing home located at 7300 34th Avenue. Kimberly Howell wrote in her resignation letter to the administrator that residents were mistreated and common areas were filled with bags of dirty laundry that belonged to residents that were left unattended for weeks.

“You are the director of a long-term care facility that houses the most vulnerable, the elderly, in excess of 100 of them,” she wrote to Administrator Tara Wassell. “I have been working for over 40 years and I have never seen a business of any kind that is more filthy than River Crossing of Moline.”

Howell served as the Human Resources Director and was required to comply with federal and state laws to report her observations. She filed complaints with the Illinois Department of Public Health on February 25 and March 3 reporting unsanitary conditions at the nursing home facility and alleged neglect.

Last year alone, River Crossing of Moline was assessed more than $260,000 in federal fines by Medicare for violations related to neglect and abuse of residents. IDPH fined them an additional $50,000 and cited the facility for 10 licensure violations related to the abuse and neglect of two residents.

Medicare complaints include: failing to report possible suicidal behavior exhibited by an elderly male resident; failing to construct a secure barrier between the COVID-19 positive unit and the non-COVID unit; failure to provide dedicated staff for the COVID-19 unit; failure of staff to follow COVID-19 personal protective equipment protocols; an incident where a male resident was given water through a feeding tube while he was laying down, resulting in him choking and turning red; and a sanitary inspection that reported a filthy kitchen, dirty oven, and refrigerators that had the presence of brown, sticky substances.

How to report nursing home neglect or abuse in Illinois

If you have reason to believe your parent or loved one is the victim of neglect or nursing home abuse, you need to act quickly. By contacting the experienced nursing home abuse lawyers at the Dinizulu Law Group, we will quickly investigate and get your loved one out of harm’s way. According to IDPH, there are more than 19,000 allegations of neglect or abuse in Illinois nursing homes each year. Our team of trusted lawyers is here to help you. Call us now at (312) 384-1920 for a free consultation.

Five Safety Tips for Illinois Drivers this Memorial Day Weekend

May 26, 2022/in Uncategorized/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Memorial Day weekend sets the tone for the beginning of summer for many people. As we honor the lives of the many men and women who have served our country, people across the country will be celebrating. AAA predicts Memorial Day weekend being the busiest in three years with 90% of travelers commuting by car. As more drivers hit the road this weekend, it’s important to stay safe and keep others safe on the roadway.

The Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Police are teaming up with more than 600 law enforcement agencies across the state in the national “Border to Border” mobilization – a campaign by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration as part of the “Click It or Ticket” campaign.

In 2020, Illinois roadways alone had 16 car crashes resulting in 16 fatalities. Last year’s Memorial Day weekend had 11 crashes resulting in 14 fatalities between 6 PM on Friday and 11:59 PM Monday evening.

The Illinois Tollway expects more than 7.7 million vehicles between Friday, May 27, and Tuesday, May 31.

“As people begin their summer travels, starting with this Memorial Day holiday weekend, we want to remind drivers to keep their focus on the road and slow down in work zones,” said Illinois Tollway Interim Executive Director Lanyea Griffin (Chicago Crusader).

This year, it’s estimated that 450 people will lose their lives in a preventable car crash this holiday weekend. Please make sure to plan ahead, practice safe driving, and be aware of your surroundings.

Safe driving tips

Buckle up and ensure that everyone in your vehicle is buckled before you begin driving. The lack of seat belt use is the number one cause of fatalities in car crashes. Make sure that your seatbelts are installed correctly, especially when driving with children.

Slow down and take your time. Pay attention to speed limits, specifically when you’re in construction zones. Make sure you’re keeping a close eye on bicyclists and motorcycles that are also on the road.

Designate a sober driver or arrange alternative transportation. Driving intoxicated is not worth the risk of losing your life or jeopardizing innocent lives on the roadway. Intoxicated driving includes alcohol and drugs like opioids, marijuana, and some over-the-counter medication. Uber’s and Lyft’s are accessible nearly everywhere, along with trains and buses in the city and suburban areas.

Avoid distracted driving like texting, talking on the phone, using your GPS, or messing with the radio. Thousands of people have died on the roadway from crashes involving cell phone use.
Prepare before you go by inspecting your car and ensuring that it’s safe to drive. Make sure to check your oil and tire pressure to avoid an accident on the road.

Best and worst times to drive

Traffic congestion throughout the Chicagoland area is going to be at its peak on Thursday afternoon. According to Patch, Interstate 290 and IL-110 to Racine Avenue in Chicago will be the most congested between the hours of 3:30 and 5:30 PM on Thursday. Traffic volumes will be more than 130% above normal, according to AAA.

If you’re traveling on Thursday or Friday morning, the best time to travel is before 7 AM. If you plan to travel on Saturday through Monday, the best travel times in Illinois are before 10 AM.

How You May Be Entitled to Compensation for Medical Malpractice in Illinois

May 22, 2022/in Blog, Uncategorized/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Medical errors are an unfortunate part of the medical system and an area that is flawed. Unfortunately, medical errors are oftentimes a result of a provider’s negligence. A patient could be left with debilitating conditions that significantly impact their quality of life. Many injuries caused by medical negligence are long-lasting and sometimes permanent. If you’ve fallen victim to medical malpractice, you should seek legal help immediately.

In 2019, Diederich Healthcare reported more than $4 billion was paid in medical malpractice claims nationwide. Any deviation from the standard of care as a result of carelessness is considering medical malpractice.

Causes of medical malpractice

Any deviation from the standard of care as a result of carelessness is considering medical malpractice. Doctors are trusted members of society who take an oath to do no harm when they treat patients.

Many injuries, illnesses and scenarios can be attributed to a medical malpractice lawsuit. Some of the most common causes of medical malpractice lawsuits include:

Anesthesia errors
Childbirth injuries
Defective medical equipment
Failure to treat
Medication errors
Misdiagnosis
Surgical errors

How to prove medical malpractice

Standards and regulations in regards to medical malpractice differs among states; however, the basic requirement to prove medical malpractice requires various important elements that you must demonstrate. You must prove that:

A doctor-patient relationship existed by either agreement or treatment received
A duty or standard of care was established
A breach of the duty of care occurred by a medical provider(s) not upholding his/her/their obligations
The breach of care was the primary case of injury which can be proven by medical records and expert testimony
The injury caused damages

Statute of Limitations in Illinois

In the state of Illinois, the statute of limitations gives a patient two years from the date of discovery to file a medical malpractice claim against a healthcare professional(s) for medical error and damage. Children under the age of 18 who are injured by medical malpractice have up to eight years from the date the treatment caused their injuries; however, the child must file a medical malpractice claim prior to their 22nd birthday. It’s important to consult with an experienced medical malpractice attorney in Chicago, Illinois so they can look at the facts of your case and tell you what your statute of limitations are.

Damages in medical malpractice claims in Illinois

The purpose of compensatory damages is to compensate the injured person for the harm done due to their negligence in an attempt to restore the individual. Many times, injuries leave the victim with long-term medical care, time away from work, amongst other setbacks.

Economic Damages

Economic losses are those that have a direct financial impact on the injured person. Examples of economic damages include:

Future medical expenses caused by substandard medical care
Medical bills to treat the injury
Loss of income
Future loss of income, or decreased earning capacity

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic losses are unmeasurable in terms of losses. Types of non-economic losses an injured victim may experience after negligent medical malpractice includes:

Disability
Disfigurement
Loss of a normal life (past and future)
Pain and suffering (past and future)

Nominal Damages

These damages are available in unusual cases which award the victim a low dollar amount to recognize the wrongful conduct the defendant caused, even if there was little to no economic loss including extra medical bills or additional lost wages.

What to do if you experienced medical malpractice

Despite the preventative measures healthcare providers take, medical errors occur. Medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States according to Johns Hopkins. Medical malpractice involves both medicine and law and can be challenging to prove. The skilled medical malpractice attorneys at the Dinizulu Law Group are ready to help you. Call us now at (312) 384-1920 for a free consultation.

How Nursing Home Abuse is Concealed

May 20, 2022/in Uncategorized/by DAMG

CHICAGO, IL – If you’re planning on putting your senior loved one into a nursing home, you might be concerned for various reasons. It’s never easy to place the safety of a family member into the hands of complete strangers and saying goodbye can be difficult. In addition, your senior may have concerns of their own – especially when faced with the prospect of leaving the comfort of their own home and ceasing to be fully independent. While there are many dangers and hazards at a typical nursing home, perhaps the most worrying of those are completely unseen. If you don’t know that certain dangers exist, then it becomes very difficult to address them appropriately.

One of the best ways to become aware of these dangers is to book a consultation with a qualified, experienced legal professional. When you meet with a nursing home abuse attorney, they can explain all of the various concerns that you should be looking out for. This makes it much easier to choose the right nursing home for your loved one and pact if you see hazards developing. If certain acts of negligence and misconduct have already occurred, your lawyer can also help you take legal action and sue the nursing home for damages.

But we know what you’re thinking: “Where can I find nursing home abuse attorneys near me?” The process of finding a nursing home abuse attorney can be a little tricky – especially when you have no legal experience yourself. How can you tell whether a lawyer is reliable and experienced enough to handle your case? Where’s the best place to look for prospective attorneys? It can all be a little overwhelming – especially when you’re simultaneously grieving the loss of a loved one or trying to help your senior recover from serious injuries. Thankfully, the process of finding a qualified, experienced nursing home abuse attorney in Illinois is a lot easier than you think.

How Nursing Home Abuse is Concealed

People may try to conceal nursing home abuse for countless reasons. Most nursing home companies are well aware that certain types of abuse will ultimately lead to costly lawsuits, so it is in their best interests to keep misconduct “under wraps.”

We have seen many nursing homes attempt to conceal abuse over the years, and the issue has only become worse during the pandemic. Residents are often intentionally misdiagnosed with various illnesses in order to give staff an excuse to keep them “drugged up.” For example, a perfectly healthy elderly woman might be diagnosed with dementia so that staff can keep her sedated and compliant.

This allows nursing home facilities to subject the resident to terrible conditions, knowing that the victim is too intoxicated to understand what’s going on. In the medical world, this is known as a “chemical restraint,” and it is highly illegal unless the patient genuinely needs to be sedated.

We also know that corrupt politicians can be involved in cover-ups involving nursing home abuse, and this was made very clear when Andrew Cuomo became embroiled in a scandal that rocked the medical community (1). The former governor attempted to conceal gross negligence that occurred throughout the pandemic, and this negligence likely led to the deaths of numerous innocent patients. Ironically, it was a sexual harassment scandal that led to him resigning – not the fact that he was covering up the deaths of innocent nursing home patients.

At the end of the day, it is very easy to conceal and cover-up nursing home abuse. The patients themselves may be confused or unable to communicate, or perhaps sedated with powerful drugs. It is very easy to prey on the weak and intimidate them into staying silent. Sometimes, concealing abuse is as simple as not filing a report. If no staff member files a report, it’s like the incident never even happened (2).

Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today

If you’ve been searching the Chicago area for a qualified, experienced nursing home abuse attorney, look no further than Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. Over the years, we have helped numerous families and seniors pursue justice in a highly confident and efficient manner. We know that in many cases, it can be a complete surprise to learn that nursing homes have been abusing seniors without anyone’s knowledge. The truth is that even though certain facilities might seem completely professional and reliable on the outside, incredible acts of misconduct can occur behind closed doors. Often, we only find out about these acts when it’s too late. But it’s never too late to explore your legal options, so get in touch today and take your first steps towards justice.

Interested in learning more? Call our office now for a free case evaluation by calling (312) 384-1920 or visit our website for more information.

Sources

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/04/nyregion/cuomo-nursing-home-deaths.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/12/09/business/nursing-home-abuse-inspection.html

Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd.

(312) 384-1920

221 North LaSalle, Suite 1100

Chicago, IL 60601

What Are Chemical Restraints in a Nursing Home?

May 20, 2022/in Uncategorized/by DAMG

CHICAGO, IL – When most people think about “restraints,” they likely picture handcuffs, zip ties, or ropes. But in Chicago nursing homes, chemical restraints are also used on a fairly regular basis. This is a highly controversial subject, as chemical restraints are often considered illegal. Despite this fact, many staff members at nursing home facilities in Illinois continue to use chemical restraints which lead to considerable levels of discomfort for innocent seniors.

If you believe that your senior loved one is being subjected to chemical restraints in Illinois, you should reach out to a qualified, experienced nursing home abuse attorney as soon as possible. These legal professionals can help you assess the situation and take legal action if necessary. Nursing home lawsuits can provide you with a considerable financial settlement that you can use to pay for your damages.

It’s best to get in touch with a qualified, experienced attorney as soon as possible if you feel your loved one’s rights are being violated. The statute of limitations may prevent you from taking legal action if you wait too long, so it’s always a good idea to be proactive.

Chemical Restraints Explained

Chemical restraints are designed to prevent patients from engaging in certain behavior (1). When used under legitimate circumstances, this medication can prevent patients from harming themselves, medical professionals, or other patients. It’s important to note that chemical restraints are never actually used to improve a patient’s condition directly. This method is simply intended to change their behavior.

Several types of chemical restraints may be used in various circumstances, including:

Antipsychotics
Anti-anxiety medication
Sedatives

Important Considerations Before Using Chemical Restraints

Chemical restraints should only be used as a “last resort.” Medical professionals are encouraged to try other methods, such as verbal calming and de-escalation techniques. Chemical restraints should also be used only if the individual is not able to make rational decisions. This method may also be used if the patient poses a serious risk to themself or others.

Are Chemical Restraints Legal in Illinois?

According to the Nursing Home Act, the use of chemical restraints in Illinois is highly regulated. Nursing homes are not allowed to administer chemical restraints to elderly patients unless they obtain their consent (2). The only exception is if there is a clear “emergency situation” present – and even then, the chemical restraints can only be used temporarily.

How to Spot the Use of Chemical Restraints

Sometimes, chemical restraint use is difficult to spot. Your senior may seem a little different – perhaps showing lower signs of energy or engagement than usual. However, your senior may have exhibited these signs prior to the use of chemical restraints, so it might be challenging to tell the difference. Generally speaking, someone who has been given chemical restraints often seems tired and “drugged up.” They may also show signs of impaired memory, loss of interest in their environment, and general loss of mental faculties. They may also be at a higher risk for falls, and they may have difficulty moving.

What Are the Dangers of Chemical Restraints

According to a report issued by the FDA, approximately 15,000 seniors die each year in the United States due to the improper or unnecessary use of anti-psychotics (3). Make no mistake – these are powerful drugs. In some cases, they may react badly with other medication that your senior is taking, causing health complications. As previously noted, this medication can also make your senior more likely to fall, which can lead to injury or death. Negligent staff members may also improperly calculate the correct dosage, leading to serious complications.

How to Prove the Negligent Use of Chemical Restraints

If you believe that your senior was negligently dosed with chemical restraints, you should get in touch with a lawyer immediately. These legal professionals can help you prove that a nursing home acted in a negligent manner. For example, they might ask the nursing home to provide certain consent forms that they were required to obtain from the senior prior to carrying out the use of chemical restraints. If they cannot produce these consent forms, then they clearly violated the law. Even if they did obtain consent, you may argue that the senior was deceived or tricked into signing the forms.

Where Can I Find a Nursing Home Attorney?

If your senior one has been subjected to the use of chemical restraints, you may be wondering: “Where can I find nursing home abuse attorneys near me?” If you live in the Chicago area, you can get in touch with Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. These legal professionals have dealt with many nursing home abuse cases in the past, and they can help you strive for the best possible results while fighting for seniors’ rights in an effective manner. Call our office now at (312) 384-1920 to receive a free case evaluation today or visit our website to learn more.

Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd.

(312) 384-1920

221 North LaSalle, Suite 1100

Chicago, IL 60601

Sources

https://www.medicinenet.com/what_is_an_example_of_chemical_restraint/article.htm
https://www.chicagotribune.com/opinion/commentary/ct-opinion-illinois-nursing-home-antipsychotic-abuse-20211015-t7ftjxvnjragtlstugp5qfjmge-story.html#:~:text=No%20nursing%20home%20in%20Illinois,to%20improper%20use%20of%20antipsychotics.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chemical_restraint

Common Dental Injuries in Personal Injury Lawsuits

May 15, 2022/in Blog, Uncategorized/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Injury accidents can happen anywhere. When negligence is the reason, catastrophic injuries can often be the result – even from dental injuries. Dental injuries are rarely life-threatening, but it may require invasive and intensive medical treatment and surgery, reconstruction, pain and suffering, and time to recover.

What dental or mouth injuries occur from personal injury accidents?

Some of the most common dental injuries and trauma to the mouth happen after injury accident occur. Car accidents, for example, are the leading reason for severe accidents that result in head injuries. When the head takes on too much impact causing your brain to smash into your skull, it can damage brain tissue and lead to traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Dental injuries can cause a tremendous amount of pain that can lead to facial disfigurement. For example, eating solid foods may be restricted until the dental injury is treated and healed.

Common dental injuries that can happen after an accident may include, but is not limited to:

Avulsed teeth being knocked out of the month
Broken teeth
Chips in teeth
Contusions
Displaced teeth
Lacerations and cuts to the gums, lips, and tongue
Portions of tongue missing
Punctures

If you suffered dental and mouth damage from a car accident or other personal injury accident, consulting with a dentist or dental surgeon may be necessary depending on how severe your injuries are. The cost of treatment, medication and time away from work are just a few expenses that will need to be accounted for.

Common Causes of Mouth Injuries

Every personal injury case is different and comes with its own unique set of circumstances; however, there are clear trends when it comes to personal injury cases in terms of their cause. While someone can suffer from a dental or mouth injury in various ways, many cases involve the following:

Motor vehicle accidents
Slip and fall injuries
On-the-job accidents

Speak to a Personal Injury Attorney at the Dinizulu Law Group

You have rights after an injury accident, especially if it was caused by another’s negligence. To learn more about what you can do to obtain financial compensation you need to pay for damages, call the personal injury law firm at the Dinizulu Law Group now to schedule a free consultation at (312) 384-1920.

Baby Formula Shortages Worsen Amid Recall, Supply Chain Issues

May 8, 2022/in Blog, Uncategorized/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Families across the country are scattering grocery stories and pharmacies in hopes of finding formula for their children.

In February, the FDA issued a recall on Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare forumla which are all manufactured by Abbott Nutrition.

Pre-pandemic supply chain issues were already causing problems before the recall. Stores are now forced to put purchasing limits on the supplies they do have.

“This isn’t just some minor product that people don’t need. This is food for our children, our babies need this,” one mom told WISN 12 News.

An Abbott Laboratories spokesperson mentioned the companies doing everything they can to address the supply shortage and actions are being taken including increasing the production of Similac formulas at other FDA-registered facilities, prioritizing the production of other Abbott liquod products to Similac and Alimentium to make more ready-to-feed liquid formula available, amongst other actions.

How to check if your formula was part of the recall

If your product is part of the recall, it will meet all three criteria below:

The first two digits of the lot number start with 22 through 37. This doesn’t include the letter at the start of the lot number.
The lot number contains one of the following: K8, SH, Z2.
The expiration date is April 1, 2022 or later.

The FDA has a list of recalled products on their website that you can visit here.

Should I throw away recalled formula?

Do not throw away any formula you may have. You should check if you have a Similac product that’s included in the call. If it’s not included in the recall, your product is safe to use.

If your specific product is listed in the recall, do not use it. You should not throw this out because you’ll need it to receive a refund.

10 Most Overlooked Medical Conditions

May 8, 2022/in Blog, Uncategorized/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – A recent study published by JAMA Network Open shows the top ten most missed medical diagnoses. After combing through data from patient safety incident reports, malpractice claims, morbidity and mortality rounds, and focus group responses, researchers found nearly 840 diagnostic errors used to identify the most common or delayed diagnoses.

Nearly 12 million American adults are misdiagnosed each year in outpatient settings which equates to nearly 5 percent of patients, though experts say this number is likely higher. The National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine states that most people will experienced a missed or delayed diagnosis in their lifetime, sometimes with catastrophic consequences.

What are the top 10 most common missed or delayed diagnosis by medical condition?

Colorectal cancer
Lung cancer
Breast cancer
Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
Prostate cancer
Stroke
Sepsis
Bladder cancer
Plmonary embolism
Brain hemorrhage

How to diagnostic errors occur?

There are a number of reasons that diagnostic errors can occur including a miscommunication between the doctor and the patient. The patent may fail to accurately describe their symptoms, or the doctor may overlook something in the patient’s medical history. In other circumstances, the incorrect test can be ordered or read incorrectly. Data in electronic medical records are often disorganized and sometimes referrals aren’t followed up on.

A patient can also present with atypical symptoms. For example, if a person enters the emergency room and explains stroke-like symptoms including weakness on one side of their body, this is rarely missed; however, if someone mentioned they were dizzy, nearly 40% of doctors miss that this is a myriad of causes – stroke being one of them.

Not every missed diagnosis is fatal to a patient’s long-term health. Back pain may be misdiagnoses as a muscle strain when it’s really osteoarthritis. In other events, infections and cancer tend to be diseases where if you miss them, the consequences for the patient can be devastating and life altering

How can patients help prevent a misdiagnosis?

Make sure that you prepare for your appointments. Think of some of the symptoms and concerns you have before entering the doctor’s office. If it helps, write it down so you don’t forget! It’s important to make note of the onset of your symptoms and your pain level. The more detail you provide to your doctor, the more time they’re able to think about the problem and less time gathering information.

It’s also important to ask questions and advocate for yourself. You should know why certain conditions are being ruled out. If you tell your doctor you’re experiencing frequent headaches and they diagnosis you with cluster headaches, make sure to ask why it’s not a migraine.

Finally, make sure you follow up with your doctor if your condition doesn’t improve. Patients’ voices are extremely important in the diagnostic process. Make sure to keep a track record of test results, referrals, and hospital admissions.

When to get a second opinion

If your condition doesn’t get better or you’re suspicious of a diagnosis and want to confirm it, you should consider getting a second opinion from another physician, or a specialist. Nearly 20% of people who seek a second opinion receive a different diagnosis from the first, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Make sure to bring all necessary documentation to your important, including details from your previous diagnosis which should include test results and recommended treatment plans.

Supreme Court draft opinion would overturn Roe v. Wade

May 3, 2022/in Blog, Uncategorized/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – The U.S. Supreme Court has voted to strike down the landmark Roe v. Wade decision, per an initial draft majority opinion written by Justice Samuel Alito which was circulated inside the Court.

In 1973, Jane Roe filed a lawsuit against Henry Wade, District Attorney of Dallas County, where she resided, challenging a Texas law making abortion illegal expect by a doctor’s orders to save a woman’s life. In the lawsuit, Roe alleged that the state laws were unconstitutionally vague and abridged her right of personal privacy, which is protected by the First, Fourth, Fifth, Ninth, and Fourteenth Amendments.

The draft guaranteed federal constitutional protections of abortion rights and a subsequent 1992 decision – Planned Parenthood v. Casey – that largely maintained the right.

“We hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled,” Alito wrote claiming the “Opinion of the Court.” Joined by justices Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett stated, “We hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled.”

Chief Justice John Roberts asked the marshal of the U.S. Supreme Court to launch an investigation into the leaked draft opinion that suggests the high court is prepared to strike down the landmark 1973 ruling making abortion legal in all 50 states.

While not binding until its published, the leaked opinion provides a window into the high court’s thinking.

In the case at hand, which was argued in December, Mississippi asked the Supreme Court to overturn Roe v. Wade and uphold the state law that bans abortions after 15 weeks of gestation.

Cameras in Private Nursing Home Rooms

May 1, 2022/in Blog, Uncategorized/by Yao Dinizulu

CHICAGO, IL – Nursing homes have a tale as old as time of how bad residents are abused and neglected in the United States. Sadly, nursing home abuse is just one part of the larger problem at nursing home facilities. More than 5 million people are affected by elder abuse every single year. Cameras in nursing homes continue to regularly exposure the abuse and neglect that innocent residents face daily.

Who can put a camera in their nursing home?

Depending on the nursing home, cameras can be installed in the residents’ room which adds an extra layer of security for family members who are afraid of nursing home abuse.

To no surprise, many nursing home administrators don’t like resident’s having cameras in their private rooms, fearing the cameras invade the privacy of staff members and other residents.

As of 2022, fourteen states allow nursing home residents to have cameras in their private rooms. States include:

Connecticut
Illinois
Kansas
Louisana
Maryland
Minnesota
Missouri
New Jersey
New Mexico
Ohio
Oklahoma
Texas
Utah
Washington

You will also need to follow the protocols set forth under state law. Over a dozen other states are considering laws that would allow nursing home camera in residents’ rooms. If you do not live in one of the listed states but are interested in installing a camera in your loved ones private nursing home room, you must get permission from the nursing home administrator or supervisor.

Small secret cameras can be disguised as small fans, cell phone charges, picture frames, and more to avoid detection. Family members should be sure to set up the camera to catch a full view of the room to ensure their loved ones safety.

The future of hidden cameras

As more laws about nursing home cameras are considered, lawmakers must find a balance between the safety and privacy of residents.

Esther’s Law – named and inspired after Esther Piskor – went into effect in March 2022. In 2011, 78-year-old nursing home resident Esther Piskor was verbally and physically abused by staff members at the facility she lived at. A hidden camera captured the horrifying incident that sent two staff members to jail. Esther’s Law allows cameras in nursing homes with the consent of the resident (or their family) and any roommates involved.

If the roommate or their family doesn’t agree to the camera, the nursing home must help the resident that wants one move to a different room.

More laws are continued to be debated or passed to allow cameras in long-term care facilities. As technology continues to advance, more states may allow cameras to keep residents safe.