Illinois Increases Funding For Chicago Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

 Posted on July 13, 2021 in Nursing Home Abuse

The problems of nursing home abuse and neglect are ever-present in Chicago and throughout Illinois, and the state government has made efforts to provide a variety of resources for victims and their families. One such resource is the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program, which provides many services to those living in nursing homes and similar facilities. Recently, Governor J.B. Pritzker has announced an increase in funding for the Chicago region of this program, with the goal of ensuring that it is adequately staffed to meet residents’ needs.

What Does the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Do?

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman program is responsible for providing a variety of services that benefit nursing home residents. Regional branches of the program have been established throughout Illinois to support residents of different counties, and the services they provide are offered at no cost.

Some of the services the program provides include:

• Information and education regarding the rights of nursing home residents

• Information about facility options for those in need of long-term care

• Support for nursing home residents to help them advocate for their own needs and interests

• Advocacy for the rights and well-being of nursing home residents at the state and national level

Perhaps most importantly for victims of nursing home abuse or neglect, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program also investigates complaints from residents, family members, and other parties regarding possible instances of abuse and neglect. An investigation by the Ombudsman Program can result in appropriate consequences for the facility and protection from future abuse and neglect for the resident. The recent announcement of an increase in funding for the Chicago regional program hopefully means that more investigators will soon be available, and complaints can be addressed and resolved in a more timely manner.

Other Resources for Victims of Nursing Home Abuse

If you or a loved one is suffering from mistreatment in a nursing home, notifying your regional Ombudsman Program is just one of the ways that you can get help. The Illinois Department of Public Health also operates a Nursing Home Complaint Hotline, which you can reach at 800-252-4343 to report abuse or neglect. You can also work with an attorney to better understand your legal rights and options for recovering compensation for economic and non-economic damages that you or your loved one has suffered.

Contact a Chicago Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer

You should know that there are people who can assist you in your struggles with nursing home abuse and neglect. At Schwartz Injury Law, we can represent you in your efforts to hold a nursing home accountable for the harm they have caused, and we can connect you with other resources that offer additional help. Contact our Cook County nursing home abuse attorneys at 312-535-4625 to schedule a free consultation today.

Sources:

https://www.wbez.org/stories/a-year-after-they-were-needed-most-chicago-nursing-home-resident-advocates-will-finally-be-hired/c3d0f013-f836-459f-9102-0414ff34c7f3

https://www2.illinois.gov/aging/programs/LTCOmbudsman/Pages/default.aspx