Many laws regarding Illinois nursing home neglect and abuse go overlooked.  At times, offenders have been re-staffed, continuing the cycle of abuse.  Many cases of nursing home abuse are not responded to by law enforcement or taken seriously.  Shockingly, family members have had to rely on nursing home facilities to abide by the laws and implement change on their own accord.

The change we need in nursing homes will not happen if offenders go unpunished.  Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers with extensive experience in nursing home abuse cases can help fight for justice if you or a loved one have been the victim of Illinois nursing home neglect.

Many instances of abuse and neglect are a direct result of inadequate staffing.  Proposals for new laws on staffing levels aim to hold nursing homes responsible and accountable so that not just one group carries sole responsibility for ensuring nursing homes provide a high level of care.  Without laws, preventing instances of nursing home abuse from occurring is nearly impossible according to a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney.

In addition to creating laws for nursing homes and other long term care facilities, employees may soon be subject to background checks along with the elimination of repeat offenders and punishment of inappropriate staff.

As a community, we need to come together to protect our loved ones from Illinois nursing home neglect.  Lawmakers are increasingly becoming educated on the need to enact laws and drastically change the way our nation cares for elderly citizens.  If you feel a loved one has been abused or neglected in a nursing home, contact a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney immediately.

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In Illinois, nursing home negligence lawyers are fighting diligently to protect our senior citizens and fight for justice for victims of Illinois nursing home neglect.  Physical abuse and neglect is not the only issues; emotional abuse is occurring and is not always as overt as other forms of abuse.  The effects of emotional abuse dramatically lowers the happiness, health and quality of life.

Many signs of emotional abuse go overlooked or unreported in Chicago.  Nursing home abuse attorneys explain that often times, victims are afraid to come forward for fear of being a burden or enduring increased abuse.  The following signs can be indicators a loved one is being emotionally abused:

• Harassment
• Threat of Punishment
• Deprivation
• Intimidation
• Humiliation

If you feel a loved one is being emotionally abused at a nursing home in Illinois, nursing home negligence lawyers can be of assistance.  The facility should also be notified.  In some cases, many residents in the same nursing home are being emotionally abused.  Taking action immediately can help prevent Illinois nursing home neglect and keep health, happiness and quality of life for our aging citizens from being diminished.

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Nursing home residents face a daily threat around the United States and throughout the state of Illinois.  Nursing home neglect cases are rising dramatically and a recent study by federal investigators found reported violations at 94% of nursing homes.  More than 1.5 million people live in nursing homes around the country and extensive steps must be taken to reduce the violations and protect our aging senior citizens.

Of the violations reported, around seventeen percent of nursing homes caused “Actual harm or immediate jeopardy” to patients according to Daniel Levinson of the Department of Health and Human Services.  The main problems reported were medication mix-ups, abuse, neglect, poor nutrition and infected bedsores.  Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers have represented many individuals who have been victims of these violations.

Homes with a higher ratio of nursing staff members to patients provide better care to residents than those that fail to provide sufficient staffing with appropriate clinical expertise.  In Chicago, nursing home abuse attorneys have seen nursing homes bill Medicare and Medicaid for services that either were not provided or deficient in that they amounted to no care at all.

In addition, the inspection system is far from adequate.  Bruce Yarwood, president of the American Health Care Association stated, “It does not reliably measure quality and it does not create any positive incentives.  Although treating pressure sores, reducing physical restraints and managing pain has improved, the nursing home system needs dramatic improvements to help prevent Illinois nursing home neglect.  Inspectors have also been found to be subjective and inconsistent and they interpret federal standards in different ways.

If you or a loved one resides in a nursing home and would like information on preventing Illinois nursing home neglect or instructions on reporting a violation, contact a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney immediately.  Too many residents have already been victimized by the broken nursing home system and drastic change is needed.

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Legal terms used in nursing home contracts can be overwhelming.  Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers can be of great assistance in helping review contracts and explaining legal guidelines.  All residents in nursing homes must sign a contract which serves as a legal agreement between residents and the facility.  The purpose of the contract is to define all rights and responsibilities and include clear information on payment expectations, charges, liability, rules, policies, resident rights and resident responsibilities.  Details in each contract should be followed to make sure services and care are delivered as promised and to help prevent being a victim of Illinois nursing home neglect.

All nursing home contracts should include specific information on charges for housekeeping, linen service, medical records, recreation, personal care and room/board.  Nursing homes are required by law to give residents thirty days notice if any fee increases according to a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney.  All services and items Medicare or Medi-Cal does not cover must be stated.

If a resident’s personal property is lost, damaged or stolen, the facility is liable for injuries stemming from employee negligence or misconduct.  Also, nursing home contracts must explain procedures for discharging or transferring residents, and for handling resident account funds.  In addition, the facility must hold beds for residents for at least ten days if a hospital stay is required.

Nursing home contracts must also detail all residents’ rights and responsibilities.  These rights include specifying wishes for medical care, items residents can bring with them and how much storage space the resident will have.  Any denial of a resident’s right can be a form of Illinois nursing home neglect.

If you live in Illinois, nursing home negligence lawyers can help determine if a nursing home contract includes the proper legal guidelines.  Nursing home residents’ best interest must always be kept in mind.

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Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers discussed the increasing problem of financial exploitation in senior citizens in the previous post.  This post discusses additional factors regarding financial abuse of elderly individuals, and how to protect oneself from being a victim of Illinois nursing home neglect.

Recent estimates show that elder financial abuse costs older Americans more than $2.6 billion per year.  The main abusers are family members and caregivers.  A report conducted by the MetLife Mature Market Institute (MMI) states that “Up to one
million older Americans may be targeted yearly.  Related costs like health care, social services, investigations, legal fees, prosecution, lost income and assets reach tens of millions of dollars annually.”  These estimates only include reported abuse.  Keep in mind, out of every case reported, an estimated four or more go unreported.  The current recession will only increase cases of financial exploitation according to a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney.

Although a diverse population of victims exist, the “typical” victim of elder financial abuse is between the ages of 70 and 89, white, female, frail and cognitively impaired according to The National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA).  Victims are often trusting of others and lonely or isolated.

Financial abuse is also rising in nursing homes around Illinois.  Nursing home neglect, deceitful caregivers and staff members are contributing to the rise.  The increase in the number of elderly citizens in general is only contributing to the growing problem, along with a change in family structure and technology advances.  Sandra Timmermann, director of the MMI stated,

“With the present state of the economy, older Americans are at a greater risk than ever of having their financial security threatened.  And, for every dollar lost to theft and abuse, there are still more related costs associated with stress and health care and the intervention of social service, investigative and legal entities.”

Advocates for elderly citizens and Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers have been working diligently to protect our beloved senior citizens.  Reporting abuse is the first step.  If you or someone you know has been the victim of financial exploitation, contact a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney immediately.

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As the recession continues, advocates for the elderly and Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers are seeing more cases of financial exploitation of senior citizens in nursing homes.  The abuse ranges from taking advantage of relatives to cases of fraud.  Many aging citizens have steady incomes and trusting hearts, increasing their vulnerability.  Many individuals are under the influence of distrustful people or nursing homes with dishonest workers.

A Chicago nursing home abuse attorney explains that many victims are afraid to report abuse, whether it is financial or the result of Illinois nursing home neglect.  Fear of further abuse, or being transferred to another home can be a hindrance to reporting abuse.  Recognizing signs of abuse can be a stronger ally in protect seniors from financial exploitation.  The following examples are warning signs financial abuse is occurring:

• Unexplained changes in spending patterns or unusual purchases
• Sudden changes in the Power of Attorney
• Abnormal bank activity
• ATM withdrawals far from where the senior is living
• Signatures on checks and documents that do not match the senior’s signature

Contact a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney immediately if you are concerned about a loved one being the victim of financial abuse, or if you know someone who might be a victim of Illinois nursing home neglect.  We must protect our beloved senior citizens in their final stage of life.

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Many people agree that a drastic change is necessary in traditional nursing homes to help prevent Illinois nursing home neglect.  The stereotypical traditional nursing home is not adequately meeting the needs of our aging senior citizens.  Many advocates have been working towards nursing homes having a “home” feeling versus the typical environment of a hospital or medical center.

Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers have represented many clients in abuse and neglect cases and can testify that change is needed before thousands more residents become victims.  A recent study done about culture change in nursing homes found existing barriers to making changes and what factors were found to assist in helping a drastic change take place.  The main questions stemming from this study were:

• What makes a nursing home feel like home?
• What needs to happen to make that a reality?
• What barriers exist that negatively impact progress?

Several nursing homes were part of this study.  One of the barriers to change uncovered involved a high turnover of administrators and caregivers.  In addition, a corporate emphasis on regulatory compliance (the “bottom line”) seemed to hinder making the drastic changes.  In this study, the following factors were found to help increase culture change:

• Shared values and goals
• Resident/Family Participation
• Facility Empowerment
• A Critical Mass of “Change Champions”

Changing the traditional nursing home setting is not a process that will happen overnight according to Chicago nursing home abuse attorneys.  Input is needed from residents, community and all levels of staff.  Incentives must be encouraged along with new and shared goals.  Illinois nursing home neglect can be prevented.

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Recently, the Rush University Medical Center in Chicago revealed a study that elderly citizens who have been the victim of abuse or neglect have a doubled risk for the chance of dying earlier.  The same study showed self-neglect increases the odds of premature death by roughly six times.  This study sheds light on the tragedy of Illinois nursing home neglect.  The full article can be found in the American Medical Association’s August 5, 2009 issue.  Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers have been fighting with diligence to protect senior citizens in long term care environment and to seek justice for damages for victims who were unfortunate enough to have been subject to abuse or neglect.

The study’s author, Dr. XinQi Dong and many colleagues studied over nine thousand senior citizens in Chicago over the age of 65.  These individuals were taking part in the Chicago Health and Aging Project.  All participants were studied for twelve years.  Of the 113 reports of elder abuse and 1,544 reports of self-abuse, 4306 people died within seven years.  The study’s findings indicate that abuse and/or self-neglect leads to physical deterioration that increases the risk of death.  This increased risk was found to be associated with acute conditions such as heart attacks or strokes versus chronic ailments.

Chicago nursing home abuse attorneys emphasize the importance of protecting our senior citizens and helping to prevent Illinois nursing home neglect.  Any incident that occurs or suspicions felt should be reported immediately.  Anyone found guilty of participating in neglect or abuse must be held accountable.

The National Center on Elder Abuse reports one out of every twenty residents in nursing homes have been the victim of elder abuse or neglect.  This estimate is most likely lower than what is the actual reality.  Over fifty percent of nursing home workers admit to participating or witnessing nursing home neglect or abuse.  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have stated that thousands of deaths were a direct result of nursing home neglect.

Elder abuse and Illinois nursing home neglect endangers the physical, emotional and mental state of individuals and should not be tolerated.  If you have been the victim or feel a loved one is in danger in any long-term care environment, contact a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney immediately.

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Recently, the Illinois State Department on Aging launched an Elder Abuse Awareness Campaign and designated July as the Elder Abuse Awareness Month in Illinois.  Estimates show more than 80,000 elderly citizens in Illinois are elder abuse victims each year.  Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers have been working diligently in protecting victims from Illinois nursing home neglect and abuse.

Elder abuse is defined as “Neglect, physical injury, mental, sexual or financial exploitation to an adult 60 years of age or older.”  Sadly, many victims do not receive help because cases go unreported according to a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney.  Senior citizens deserve to be treated with respect and to feel safe.

The “Break the Silence Campaign” was launched in an attempt to get senior citizens and anyone who suspects abuse to report it immediately.  The past year saw a twenty percent increase of abuse reports since the campaign was launched in Illinois.  Nursing home neglect victims are also coming forward and reporting abuse.

If you are concerned about a loved one, experienced Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers suggest to pay attention to the following indicators:

• Changes in behavior
• Withdrawal in Social Settings
• Poor Personal Hygiene
• Hazardous or Unsafe Living Conditions
• Refusal of Visitors
• Sudden Changes in Banking Practices
• Abrupt Changes in a Will
• Untreated Injuries
• Scratches or Cuts

Billboards, mass-transit advertisements, senior community fairs and public service announcements are all part of the “Break the Silence” campaign.  Awareness and visibility of this important issue has increased dramatically.  Illinois has roughly two million citizens over the age of sixty.  We need to protect them from all forms of abuse and Illinois nursing home neglect.  It is the mission of the Illinois Department on Aging and Chicago nursing home abuse attorneys to fight for the rights of our elderly citizens and fight for justice for those who have already been victims.

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Recently, the Illinois Department on Aging (IDOA) hosted an Annual Elder Rights Conference.  This conference was a part of the state’s effort to improve awareness of elder abuse and Illinois nursing home neglect.  Individuals throughout the state were awarded for commitment and service in the area of elder rights.  Experts and Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers are committed to finding better ways to extend resources and work together to help older adults live their lives to the fullest.

Chicago nursing home abuse attorneys have successfully represented many victims of elder abuse in Illinois.  Nursing home neglect is unacceptable, and a common mission must continue to protect elderly citizens’ rights.  The Director of the Illinois Department on Aging stated:

“We all share the common mission of protecting the rights of older adults to ensure they are free from abuse, neglect and exploitation.  This conference is an opportunity to foster new partnerships with other advocates who are equally committed to the same mission.  It is through these collaborations that we develop a more unified approach to assure the health, safety and welfare of older adults in Illinois.”

Additional topics discussed at the Annual Elder Rights Conference included:

• Discussion of Financial Elder Exploitation
• Reverse Mortgages
• Predatory Lending
• Mortgage and Broker Scams
• Person-Centered Approaches to Care
• Building Skills for Long-Term Care Advocacy
• Building a Community Response to Domestic Abuse

The recent conference is a step in the right direction for preventing Illinois nursing home neglect.  Awards were also given to exceptional people who have dedicated a great deal of time and effort into improving the lives of senior citizens. If you would like more information on protecting yourself or a loved one who is living in a long-term care environment, contact an experienced Chicago nursing home abuse attorney today.

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