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Chicago, IL– Nursing home abuse comes in many forms, with physical, emotional, and sexual abuse being the most common. As of February 6, 2022, there were 16 nursing homes or long-term care facilities recently cited for abuse in Chicago, IL alone, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (1).

Unfortunately, that number increases significantly when surveying the entire state of Illinois.

The different types of nursing home abuse explained

There are several types of nursing home abuse occurring in facilities throughout the state of Illinois. Some of the more common types are discussed down below.

1. Physical Abuse

When a nursing home resident is physically injured by another, this is considered physical abuse. Examples include punching, kicking, slapping, pushing, or pinching. Signs of physical abuse might include:

• Unexplained bruises or sprains
• Sudden changes in behavior
• Broken limbs or sprains
• A healthcare worker’s need to remain with the resident, even when their family is visiting.

1. Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse occurs in nursing homes more frequently than you might think. Both staffers and fellow residents can serve as the perpetrators behind these illegal acts. If a staffer or resident engages in any type of unwanted behavior (of a sexual nature), it would be classified as sexual abuse.

Now, because most nursing home residents suffer from one or more health conditions that might limit their ability to consent to a sexual act, it is always considered a nonconsensual act. Some examples of sexual abuse include (2):

• Fondling
• Touching
• Sexual threats
• Any other type of sexual activity in which a resident is unable to understand or is unwilling to consent.
• Physically forcing a person to engage in sexual behavior
• Making sexually inappropriate remarks

Signs of sexual abuse can sometimes be difficult to spot. However, if you notice your loved one’s attitude or behavior has suddenly changed without explanation or they appear to be frightened easily or frequently, consider looking into this. Not only can these serve as signs of sexual abuse but also (3):

• Bloody undergarments
• Sexually transmitted diseases or genital infections
• Torn clothing
• Bruising on the inner thigh, genital area, or breasts
• Vaginal bleeding, pain, or irritation

Although sexual abuse can happen to any nursing home resident, despite their age or gender, The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care says “residents with dementia are particularly susceptible to sexual abuse because of their impaired memory and communication skills.”

1. Emotional Abuse

A nursing home resident may suffer emotional abuse if they are verbally assaulted, threatened, yelled at regularly, intimidated, harassed, or subjected to any other type of verbal mistreatment.

Although verbal threats and bad-mouthing don’t equate to physical abuse, they can later translate into it down the road. Emotional abuse has the ability to lower a person’s self-esteem or even cause them to become depressed. Someone who falls into depression might not eat or sleep, both of which are essential to lead a healthy life.

If a nursing home resident were to become depressed as a result of the emotional abuse being inflicted upon them, they could potentially suffer both physical and psychological injuries.

If you think your loved one might be a victim of emotional abuse, talk to a Chicago, IL nursing home abuse lawyer today. They can help you identify the signs and determine what your next steps should be.

1. Financial Abuse

Financial abuse typically occurs when an elderly individual is placed under the supervision of a healthcare worker or relative. However, this doesn’t mean nursing home residents can’t be financially taken advantage of. If a nursing home is managing an elderly person’s finances and they misuse their money, this would be a form of financial exploitation.

Who do I report nursing home abuse to in Illinois?

If you think your loved one is being abused or neglected by a nursing home staff member in Illinois, you can report it to any of the following entities:

• The Senior HelpLine, 1-800-252-8966
• The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
• The Illinois State Police Medicaid Fraud Unit
• The Regional Ombudsman located in the county where the long-term care facility is. If there is not an ombudsman located in the county, then search the region.
• A Chicago, IL nursing home abuse lawyer

If you aren’t sure who you want to report the abuse to or need more information on how to address the situation, Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. is here to help. Finding out your loved one may have been mistreated by the very people who were supposed to be caring for them is difficult to accept. At Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd., our Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers will work with you to determine if you have a case and how you should proceed forward.

Although you may be feeling alone, confused, and frustrated, just know the lawyers at our Chicago nursing home abuse firm are ready to speak to you at no obligation.

You can contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. at:

221 North La Salle Drive, Suite 1100

Chicago, IL 60601

Phone: 1-312-384-1920

Website: www.dinizululawgroup.com

Sources:

1. https://www.medicare.gov/care-compare/resources/nursing-home/preventing-abuse 
2. https://www2.illinois.gov/aging/Engage/Pages/default.aspx

https://eldermistreatment.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Consumer-Voice_sexual-abuse-issue-brief-FINAL.pdf 

Chicago, IL–If your loved one was abused or neglected by a nursing home staffer in Chicago and the facility offers you a settlement to avoid litigation or to settle a pending lawsuit, there are a few things to consider before accepting the settlement.

Anytime a settlement is accepted in a nursing home abuse or neglect case, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to pursue the negligent party for any additional compensation in the future should you need it. Once a settlement arrangement is agreed upon by all parties involved, the case usually ends there.

With that said, there are several factors you’ll want to take into account before you accept a settlement in a nursing home abuse or neglect case.

Factors to consider before accepting a settlement from a negligent nursing home in Illinois

1. The settlement amount.

If you’ve threatened to sue an Illinois nursing home or have already taken legal action and are offered a settlement, you’ll want to consider whether the amount is enough to cover the damages you or your loved one suffered. With most personal injury cases, including those stemming from nursing home abuse or neglect, a victim can generally seek compensation for things like pain and suffering, mental anguish, medical expenses, and more.

Before you agree to a settlement, you’ll want to be sure you’re being compensated for the damages that were suffered. For instance, if you had to seek medical attention following the incident or relocate to a different long-term care facility, you should be awarded compensation to make up for the expenses you incurred.

If you’re uncertain as to what damages you’re entitled to collect or how much you should be provided for each, a skilled Chicago nursing home abuse attorney at our firm can certainly help with this.

1. Whether you’re being compensated for pain and suffering.

The Legal Information Institute defines pain and suffering as the “physical discomfort and emotional distress” you suffered as a result of the incident. If the incident has caused you or your loved one to suffer physical pain or a mental illness such as depression, you may be entitled to recover compensation for this.

“Pain and suffering” is categorized as a non-economic damage and therefore, it is hard to value. If you aren’t sure whether your settlement includes compensation for pain and suffering or if you’re being offered a fair amount, you can always contact our nursing home abuse law firm in Chicago to have one of our lawyers review the offer.

1. Whether the settlement includes compensation for the long-term effects the abuse or neglect will have on you or your loved one.

Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse can lead to you or a loved one suffering long-term effects. If you suffered a severe injury that now impacts your health and wellbeing, you should be awarded compensation to make up for this.

Knowing when to accept a settlement in a nursing home abuse or neglect case isn’t always easy to do. Thankfully, the Chicago, IL nursing home abuse attorneys at Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. are more than capable of determining whether your settlement is fair and reasonable.

Simply put, it’s always a good idea to seek legal advice from an experienced Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer before accepting any amount of money from a nursing home.

Considering filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit in Illinois? We’re here to help.

If you believe your loved one is the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect and you’re looking to obtain financial relief, you are encouraged to contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. to discuss filing a personal injury lawsuit.

Our experienced team of Chicago, IL nursing home abuse attorneys will review the details of your matter and determine if you have the grounds to sue.

Let Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. help you take a stand against nursing home abuse

Elder abuse is common in long-term care settings, particularly nursing homes. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), “two in three staff reported that they have committed abuse in the past year.” Sadly, WHO also reported that elder abuse is likely to increase “as many countries are experiencing rapidly aging populations.”

If you suspect that your loved one was abused or neglected while under the care of a nursing home, our skilled nursing home abuse attorneys in Chicago, IL are here to help. If you’re feeling confused or frustrated, we’d be happy to take the time to address your concerns and discuss your loved one’s rights.

It can sometimes be difficult to prove nursing home abuse or neglect which is why we encourage you to enlist the help of a lawyer who can do this for you.

You can contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. at:

221 North La Salle Drive, Suite 1100

Chicago, IL 60601

Phone: 1-312-384-1920

Website: www.dinizululawgroup.com

You’ve found out your loved one is being mistreated by a nursing a nursing home staffer and now you’re in a state of panic. What do you do? Who do you contact? How do you prevent the abuse from recurring?

These are among some of the most common questions that are asked after abuse is discovered and those our Chicago, IL nursing home abuse lawyers are prepared to address.

Who should I contact after finding out my loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse?

If you’re looking for immediate help, whether it is because you believe your loved one’s health or even life is at risk, you can always call 911. When you call 911, an officer will be dispatched to the nursing home where he/she shall write up a report. Be sure to disclose all the details that led to your discovery of the abuse so that this can be included in the report. 

In addition to or in lieu of calling 911, you can also contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. at 1-312-384-1920. Our firm accepts calls 24/7 so you can feel confident in knowing someone will be able to offer you help and guidance during this difficult and confusing time. Generally, it is a good idea to call 911 in addition to contacting our office if a crime has been committed and involves your loved one.

Crimes might include physical assault and sexual assault.

What agencies in Illinois assist with cases involving nursing home abuse? 

If you’re looking for immediate help, the Chicago nursing home abuse attorneys at Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. are here to help. However, there are agencies located within the State of Illinois that are also able to assist with abuse-related matters, some of which are listed down below.

1. Illinois Department on Aging (IDOA)

The IDOA has made available to the public a Senior HelpLine. The number to the Senior HelpLine is 1-800-252-8966 and provides abuse intake. You can also call the Adult Protective Services Hotline at 1-866-800-1409 to report suspected abuse of a person who is 60 years of age or older.

1. Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)

The IDPH is in charge of investigating “quality care issues, such as allegations of actual or potential harm to patients, patient rights, infection control, and medication errors.” While the IDPH does limit the types of cases it investigates, it may be able to help in cases stemming from elder abuse. 

If you wish to file a formal complaint with the IDPH, you can do so in any of the following ways:

• By telephone. You can call 800-252-4343 to report the abuse allegations.

• By mail. While filing a complaint by mail will prolong the process, it is an option afforded to you. To file a complaint with the IDPH by mail, download the Healthcare Facilities Complaint Form by clicking here and mailing it to the following address:

Illinois Department of Public Health

Office of Health Care Regulation

Central Complaint Registry

525 W. Jefferson St., Ground Floor

Springfield, IL 62761-0001

• Fax. Your complaint form can be faxed to the following number: 217-524-8885.
• By e-mail. Forms can be emailed to DPH.CCR@illinois.gov. 

What are some things a Chicago, IL nursing home abuse lawyer will do to help a loved one who is a victim of elder abuse?

The individuals who reside in nursing homes depend on those that work there to provide them with care and assistance. Many are vulnerable and unable to do for themselves. At Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd., we are advocates for those who are unable to speak up and defend themselves against the very people they seek help from each and every day.

At our firm, you can count on our legal experts to do the following:

1. Identify whether a valid case exists. This will require a thorough investigation which may include gathering medical records, taking witness statements, etc.

1. Help you and your loved one exercise your legal rights. If a case exists, we will review with you the options available to you and/or your loved one. This might include filing a personal injury lawsuit against the nursing home. If you decide to pursue legal action, we can help you value your case by determining what damages your loved one is entitled to. This might include pain and suffering, mental anguish, etc.

1. Represent you and/or your loved one in court. Going up against a nursing home and its lawyers isn’t always easy, but you can rest assured we will fight hard to defend your loved one’s rights. 

If you believe your loved one was abused by one or more nursing home staffers in Chicago, we urge you to contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. so that we can begin working on your case. Time is of the essence in these types of cases as we wouldn’t want any pertinent evidence to disappear or have your loved one continue to be supervised by the person who caused them harm. 

You can contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. at:

221 North La Salle Drive, Suite 1100

Chicago, IL 60601

Phone: 1-312-384-1920

Website: www.dinizululawgroup.com

Chicago, IL—On the outside, a nursing home might appear to be well-kept and inviting, but on the inside, there may be serious issues that go unnoticed that are putting the health and lives of residents at risk. We’re talking about poor hygiene. 

Nursing home operators and the individuals who are hired to work in them are required to meet certain standards in terms of hygiene not only because residents deserve to live in a clean space, but also because they tend to have weaker immune systems. When a nursing home doesn’t enforce good hygiene practices, it can cause infections and other contagious diseases to spread. 

While there are plenty of nursing homes that follow good hygiene practices, there are a number of those that don’t, and it is important for families to be able to spot them. This way, the issue can be recognized and addressed.

Examples of Poor Hygiene Practices

1. Nurses or other health care professionals do not wash their hands after tending to residents.

One of the most effective ways of reducing the spread of viruses and other germs is by washing hands. Nursing home staffers should be washing their hands in between tending to patients or after cleaning up a resident’s living area or bathroom. If you noticed that a nurse or other staff member did not wash their hands while touring a facility or while you were visiting with your loved one, this should be brought to the attention of the facility administrator.

2. A resident’s clothing is dirty, or they appear to be unbathed.

Nursing home residents need to be bathed regularly and their clothes should be changed and washed daily. If your loved one appears to be wearing dirty clothing or informs you that they have not been bathed, this is a serious issue that needs addressing. 

Residents who are left in dirty clothing or go unbathed are at a higher risk of developing rashes or skin infections. Not only might these be uncomfortable for a resident to have to live with, but they could potentially develop into a more serious condition.

3. The dining area appears to be dirty.

If you noticed that the tables and/or floors in the dining area are always dirty, this might be an indicator that the kitchen isn’t as clean as it should be. Anytime a facility is responsible for handling food, they need to ensure the area where it is being prepared and served is clean and sanitary. Kitchens and dining areas are one of many places where germs like to linger and if they aren’t being cleaned regularly, there is a good chance those germs will cause infections and spread.

4. The floors are dirty.

While there is much that goes on in a single day in a nursing home, the floors do need to be cleaned regularly. With so much movement in and out rooms, there is a good chance bacteria and other germs are being transported all around the facility. And the only way to stop the spread is to clean and sanitize the floors.

Did you know that “the transfer rate of bacteria from shoes to clean tiles is 90% to 99%?”¹ Not only can certain bacteria found on the bottom of shoes cause urinary tract infections and diarrhea when a person is exposed to it, but there are certain types that can cause a person to suffer from pneumonia.

5. The bathrooms are not clean.

Bathrooms are breeding ground for germs and bacteria which is why they need to be cleaned and sanitized constantly. Nursing homes that allow their bathrooms to remain unclean and unsanitary may also be ignoring other areas of the facility as well which only heightens the risk of bacteria and viruses spreading.

How to recognize a nursing home for poor hygiene?

Nursing homes that display bad hygiene practices can be reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). The IDPH is “responsible for ensuring nursing homes comply fully with mandatory state regulations.”

When should a nursing home neglect attorney be contacted?

If bad hygiene practices have led to your loved one being neglected, you can contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. to find out if you need to enlist the help of a Chicago, IL nursing home neglect attorney. Nursing home residents have the right to live in a facility that is free from abuse and neglect. Should this right be violated by nursing home staff members, you or your loved one may have the right to take legal action against the facility.

If you think your loved one is a victim of neglect and they live in a Chicago nursing home, contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. so that we can determine if you have a viable case against the home.

 

You can contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. at:
221 North La Salle Drive, Suite 1100
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 1-312-384-1920
Website: www.dinizululawgroup.com

Source:

1. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2019/07/03/my-shoes-dirty-studies-suggest-theyre-covered-fecal-bacteria/1637780001/ 

Chicago, IL—Nursing homes are relied on for assistance and supervision of aging individuals. People move into nursing homes generally because their physical/mental state interferes with their ability to care for themselves. While many of the individuals who relocate to a nursing home aren’t suffering from any serious medical conditions, there are plenty who are. 

Dementia and diabetes are two of many conditions nursing home residents enter into facilities with that require specific care to be rendered, all of which should be outlined in a resident’s care plan.

What is a care plan?

A care plan is something that is created when an individual arrives at a nursing home. Staff members will collect basic information about them, including their health condition(s), and develop a plan that may include any of the following¹:

• The type of personal or health care services they need.
• The type of equipment or supplies they need and how often they will need to be supplied. Residents who are diabetic will need to have access to blood-sugar machines, insulin, etc.
• The type of diet they are required to follow. This is especially important for diabetic residents as the wrong foods could cause their blood sugar levels to spike to dangerous levels.
• How the care plan with help them reach their goals.
• The types of staff members who should be rendering care/performing services.

Anytime a staff member is assigned to tend to a resident, they should have a firm understanding of the conditions they suffer from as well as the type of care their care plan calls for. Those who are uninformed could make a mistake such as giving a resident the wrong types of foods or too much or too little insulin.

How often should care plans be revisited?

Once a care plan is completed, which is usually within the first 14 days of an individual being admitted, a health assessment should then be completed at least every 90 days, according to the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. If a person’s medical status changes, then a health assessment may be needed before reaching 90 days.

In addition, staffers should also be completing regular assessments of a resident’s condition to determine if their “health status changed” or “changes to [their] care plan are needed.”

What can I do if my loved one’s care plan is being ignored?

Nursing homes have high turn-around rates and are often understaffed. It is for this reason and many others that a resident’s care plan is overlooked or ignored. Despite the challenges nursing home staffers might be facing, they cannot ignore the needs of their residents. And if they do, there could be civil and criminal consequences for them to pay.

If you would like to find out what these are, contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. to speak with an experienced Chicago nursing home abuse attorney.

Illinois Nursing Home Fined After a Resident’s Needs Were Overlooked and Ultimately Led to Him Passing Away

A nursing home in Illinois was fined $25,000 and issued 10 citations for licensure violations after a 62-year-old resident choked to death. The male resident suffered from “anxiety, schizophrenia, and dementia,” and was susceptible to choking. Because of this, the home placed him on a diet that consisted of “regular, thin liquids and cut up meat.”

A dietician later noticed that the male resident would “shove food into his mouth” and they placed him on a feeding plan “that required him to eat meals at a feeder table while under the supervision of nursing staff.” A few months later, dietary notes were added to his care plan that stated he should eat bread that is “quartered and moistened on both sides with butter, gravy, or jelly at every meal.”

Multiple Choking Incidents Recorded

The male resident experienced several choking incidents after the dietary notes were added and several months later, a licensed practical nurse (LPN) noticed the resident was choking and “had turned grayish in color.” The police and emergency medical personnel were called to render CPR, and the man, unfortunately, passed away.

Apparently, the CNA who delivered the food to the resident was unaware the resident had special instructions for how his food should be served. Therefore he/she left the tray with the resident and the bread he was served whole and had not been moistened. Sadly, the resident choked to death.

Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. is Here to Help if Your Loved One’s Care Plan is Being Ignored

If your loved one’s needs are being ignored, this could be identified as a form of neglect. If you would like to find out what your legal options are or how you should address the issue, the Chicago, IL nursing home neglect lawyers at Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. are ready to help.

Because ignoring a care plan could have detrimental effects on a resident, it is important to address the issue as soon as possible. The Chicago, IL nursing home abuse lawyers at Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. understand how frustrating and confusing this time may be for you and we are here to help you in any way possible.

You can contact Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. at:

221 North La Salle Drive, Suite 1100

Chicago, IL 60601

Phone: 1-312-384-1920

Website: www.dinizululawgroup.com

Source:

1. https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/what-part-a-covers/whats-a-care-plan-in-a-nursing-home