The growing elder population in the United States has sparked a higher demand for nursing homes. Unfortunately, this has inspired profit-minded entrepreneurs to open retirement homes without the credentials or ethical compass to offer reliable care.
The results: understaffing, poor training and unsafe facilities that put residents at risk.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 10 Americans aged 60 and older are victims of elder abuse. However, this statistic most likely underestimated because many senior citizens are too afraid to report the mistreatment, or they are not physically able to do so. A study by the National Council on Aging estimated that only 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse get reported.
If you or a family member was abused, financially exploited or neglected in a long-term care facility, contact The Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. A nursing home neglect attorney in Chicago will evaluate your case to determine if you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills and other damages. Call 312-384-1920 today to schedule a consultation with an elder abuse lawyer.
7 Signs Your Relative Was a Victim of Nursing Home Neglect or Abuse
Nursing homes should be safe facilities that offer plenty of activities, social interaction and prompt medical care. Sadly, staff members sometimes take advantage of residents by exploiting them. Some use excessive force or physical restraints to get residents to cooperate. There is simply no excuse for this inhumane treatment.
Sometimes the signs of nursing home abuse are difficult to detect. This is often true when a resident has been the victim of neglect, sexual abuse or financial exploitation. If your loved one is in a nursing home, it is critical that you look for signs of mistreatment. These include:
- Bruises, broken bones, cuts or other unexplained injuries;
- Fear, anxiety or abnormal changes in behavior;
- Unexplained sexually transmitted diseases or genital injuries;
- Poor hygiene;
- Bedsores;
- Unsanitary living conditions; or
- Unexplained changes to the resident’s will or financial transactions to caregivers’ accounts.
How to Find a Safe Nursing Home for Your Family Member
You may be able to save your loved one from nursing home abuse by finding a safe, reputable facility. Here are a few qualities to look for when comparing the options:
- There are plenty of positive online reviews about the nursing home;
- There are plenty of activities for residents;
- The facility appears clean and well-maintained;
- Nursing home staff are answering phone calls promptly;
- Residents at the facility seem happy;
- Residents appear to have good hygiene;
- No complaints from residents; and
- Nursing home staff members are willing to answer your questions in detail.
If someone you love was mistreated in a long-term care facility, contact The Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. A nursing home abuse attorney in Illinois will help you fight for the maximum settlement, and if your case goes to trial, we have the litigation experience and resources to represent your interests in court. Call 312-384-1920 to schedule a consultation.
