Many of us have loved ones who live in nursing homes, and Illinois has about 1,200 facilities that assist over 100,000 residents who need specialized care. While these facilities are expected to abide by state regulations and provide a safe atmosphere for residents, many residents suffer preventable injuries due to nursing home neglect or abuse.
While advocates know that nursing home injuries are a serious problem, the scope of the issue is hard to identify. This is because many incidents of nursing home neglect or abuse go unreported. There are different reasons why residents might not report injuries they sustained, such as:
- Threats to stay silent from nursing home staff
- Cognitive disorders such as dementia that make it difficult to remember or understand what happened
- Self-blame or humiliation
- Fear of retaliation if they make a complaint
- Fear that no one will believe them about what happened
There might be a chance that your loved one is suffering neglect or abuse in their nursing home and not telling you. For this reason, it is important to regularly check on them and look for signs of possible injuries.
Signs of neglect or abuse might include:
- Physical wounds in various states of healing
- Behavioral changes, such as acting withdrawn
- Unsanitary conditions
- Stained clothing or bedding
- Untreated bedsores
- Weight loss or gain without explanation
Always ensure your loved one that you are there to support them to encourage them to report any concerns or injuries to you.
Contact a Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer in Illinois for Help
The law office of Charles T. Newland handles nursing home neglect and injury cases. We work to hold facilities responsible for unnecessary harm to residents, and we can evaluate a possible case for you and your loved one. Call 847.797.9300 or contact us online to speak with an Illinois nursing home neglect attorney.
