Posted on October 03,2024 in Nursing Home Abuse

As autumn settles in, the season brings not only colorful foliage and cooler temperatures but also an increased risk of influenza, especially for vulnerable people such as the elderly in Illinois nursing homes. The flu can escalate quickly in communal living environments, and when negligence occurs, outcomes can be severe. If your loved one has fallen ill in his or her nursing home and you have reason to believe negligence is to blame, contact an attorney right away.

Understanding the Ins and Outs of Nursing Home Negligence

Here is what you and your family need to know about nursing home negligence:

• Definition – This form of negligence refers to caregivers' failure to provide proper care, which can then lead to harm or injury to residents.

  Continue Reading ››

 Posted on September 26,2024 in Nursing Home Abuse

The issue of burns in nursing homes is a major concern, raising important questions about safety, care standards, and potential abuse. While some burns can occur accidentally, other burns may signify deeper issues related to neglect or poor treatment. Understanding the context in which these burns arise is crucial for residents and their families, especially if they suspect abuse or neglect is to blame. If you suspect your loved ones burns are related to nursing home abuse or neglect, contact a lawyer in Illinois immediately.

Accidental Burns Present a Fairly Common Risk in Nursing Homes

Burns in nursing home residents can occur for several reasons, including accidents related to cooking, hot water exposure, or mishandling of heating devices. Many residents may have limited mobility, cognitive impairments, or weakened sensory responses, making them more vulnerable to burns. For example, they might not be able to recognize the hot surfaces or may struggle to move away from danger swiftly.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on September 19,2024 in Nursing Home Abuse

No family sends their loved one to a nursing home facility with the expectation he or she may experience a life-threatening injury while living there. However, such incidents do tragically occur more often than many people would like to think. Three examples of life-threatening injuries that can take place in a nursing home include choking, infections, and falls. If your loved one has suffered from any of these or was injured in another way at his or her nursing home, contact a lawyer right away.

Infections Represent a Silent Threat

Infections can be a significant risk for nursing home residents, often due to decreased immunity or underlying health issues. Common infections such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections can escalate quickly and prove fatal if not treated promptly and effectively.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on September 13,2024 in Nursing Home Abuse

When it comes to the care of older adults, especially those with chronic conditions like diabetes, families often place their complete trust in nursing homes to provide safe and supportive environments for loved ones. While it is understandable that families place trust in the nursing home their loved one lives in, it is also important for families to remain watchful.

If you suspect your loved one is suffering from abuse or neglect, consult with an attorney experienced in elder abuse, as he or she can help you better understand your rights and options moving forward.

Physical Indicators of Abuse in Diabetic Nursing Home Patients

Physical signs can be some of the most alarming indicators of abuse in nursing home residents. For diabetic patients, this might include strange bruises, burns, or scars. Additionally, changes in weight can be significant. For instance, rapid weight loss may suggest improper feeding or neglect in managing dietary restrictions, restrictions which can often be essential for proper diabetes management. Regularly monitoring a patient’s body condition is crucial, and any oddities should be taken seriously.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on September 05,2024 in Nursing Home Abuse

When it comes to choosing a nursing home in Illinois, safety and the quality of care are paramount concerns for families. In Illinois, nursing homes are required to report various information, including some data related to injuries and incidents involving residents. However, they are not specifically mandated to publish a comprehensive list of injury rates. If you have questions related to nursing home injuries in Illinois, you are encouraged to contact a qualified attorney.

What Are the Legal Requirements for Nursing Homes?

In Illinois, nursing homes are required to follow both federal and state regulations designed to protect residents. These regulations include mandates for reporting specific incidents, especially those involving serious injuries. For example, falls that result in significant harm, allegations of abuse, and medication errors must be reported to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on August 28,2024 in Nursing Home Falls

Falls in nursing homes constitute a serious threat to the health and well-being of residents. In many falls, residents can fracture important bones in their bodies, such as in their hips or pelvis. These injuries can be extremely detrimental to residents, often resulting in a reduced quality of life and even early death. If your loved one has suffered fractures in his or her nursing home, especially among bones that are required for basic movement, like the hips and pelvis, contact a lawyer right away.

The Impact of Hip and Pelvic Fractures in Elderly Populations

Unfortunately, hip and pelvic fractures are among the most common injuries sustained from falls in nursing homes. These fractures can lead to tremendous pain, reduced mobility, and very long recovery times. Many elderly individuals face additional complications due to pre-existing health conditions, making recovery even more challenging.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on August 22,2024 in Nursing Home Abuse

Verbal abuse in nursing homes is a serious issue that can have profound effects on the dignity and well-being of residents. While physical abuse often attracts more attention, verbal abuse can be just as damaging, leading to intense psychological distress, loss of self-esteem, and a decline in overall health. If your loved one is being verbally abused in his or her nursing home facility, do not accept such behavior as normal. Abuse in any form is horrendous and should not be tolerated. Contact a lawyer to begin your case of seeking justice for your loved one.

The Impact of Yelling, Screaming, and Shouting

Yelling, screaming, and shouting are often viewed as the most obvious form of verbal abuse. This type of behavior can create a hostile and frightening environment for residents who may already feel vulnerable due to their age or health challenges.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on August 13,2024 in Nursing Home Abuse

Choosing a nursing home for a loved one is a significant decision that should not be taken lightly. Sadly, not all facilities are made equal, and some do not prioritize resident care as they should. While obvious signs of neglect, such as visible physical injuries, are certainly alarming and cause for immediate concern, there are also subtle red flags families should watch that may suggest problems lurking under the surface. If your loved one lives at a nursing home and you suspect he or she may be experiencing neglect, contact a qualified attorney right away.

Poor Staff-Resident Interactions

One of the most critical elements of nursing home care is the relationship between staff and residents. Pay close attention during your visits to how staff members interact with residents. Are the employees friendly and patient, or do they seem rushed and dismissive? Poor interactions, such as staff members speaking cruelly or failing to engage residents, can indicate a lack of training, compassion, or understaffing.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on August 07,2024 in Neglect

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, more commonly known as MRSA, is a type of bacteria that has developed resistance to many antibiotics. MRSA can lead to severe infections and is especially concerning in nursing homes, where vulnerable residents may already have weakened immune systems. The question arises: does MRSA relate to nursing home neglect? 

Understanding the connection can shed light on the responsibilities of care facilities and the legal rights of residents. If you suspect your loved one’s MRSA infection is related to the lack of care he or she is receiving at his or her nursing home, contact an attorney.

What is MRSA?

MRSA is a strain of staph bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics, which makes it difficult to treat. MRSA usually spreads through direct contact with infected people or surfaces. In nursing homes, where residents may have open wounds or catheters or be unable to maintain personal hygiene independently, the risk of MRSA outbreaks is heightened considerably.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on July 30,2024 in Nursing Home Falls

Falls and accidents are common, particularly among older people. But what happens when that might not have been an accident? If you have a loved one who fell and was injured, it is important to determine whether his or her fall was a simple accident or a sign of something more sinister, like abuse or neglect. Understanding the signs of abuse and knowing what to do next can help protect your loved one living in a nursing home facility. If you have a feeling that your loved one’s fall was caused by anything other than an accident, consider contacting an attorney.

Understanding Accidents vs. Abuse

Accidents happen; everyone stumbles or loses balance occasionally. However, repeated falls or unexplained injuries may suggest something more is going on. Physical abuse can present itself in many forms, including hitting, pushing, or neglecting a person’s needs, leading to unsafe conditions and increased chances of falls.

Continue Reading ››