The National Citizen’s Coalition for Nursing Home Reform (NCCNHR) was formed in 1075 due to public concern about inadequate care in nursing homes.  The NCCNHR is the outgrowth of work first achieved by advocates working for Ralph Nader and later for the National Gray Panthers.  The main goal of the NCCNHR was to develop a platform of common concerns and to represent the consumer voice at the national level.

Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers work diligently to help protect victims and potential victims of Illinois nursing home neglect.  Citizens with concerns about nursing home care need to take action and help support organizations like the NCCNHR to help strengthen the fight against neglect and abuse.

The main base for the NCCNHR is it’s 200 member groups with a growing individual membership of more than 1,000.  Many of the original members had either witnessed or endured personal experiences with substandard nursing home conditions.  Current members and subscribers comprise and caring coalition of local citizen action groups, state and local long-term care ombudsmen, professional groups, nursing home employees’ unions, legal services programs, religious organizations, family and resident councils and other concerned providers.

Chicago nursing home abuse attorneys support the work of the NCCNHR for providing information and leadership on federal and state regulatory along with legislative policy development.  These models and strategies seek to improve care and quality of life for nursing home residents.

Preventing Illinois nursing home neglect is not a simple task.  Our elderly citizens deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.  If you would like more information about the NCCNHR, contact one of our experienced and knowledgeable Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers. 

Popularity: 19% [?]

Share This

Recent statistics found over1.6 million people live in licensed nursing homes throughout the United States.  An additional one million live in other assisted or long-term care facilities.  As the baby boom generation ages, these numbers will increase exponentially.  Nursing homes are struggling throughout Illinois and the United States in providing proper care for residents.

Reports of Illinois nursing home neglect are increasing and Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers are working diligently to protect loved ones from abuse and seeking compensation for the unfortunate victims of neglect and abuse.

A few recent studies have revealed the following statistics:

• 44% of nursing home residents have suffered from some type of abuse.
• 48% reported being treated or handled roughly
• 38% reported witnessing the abuse of others
• 30% of long-term care staff witness some type of physical abuse of a patient in the previous year
• 81% of long-term care staff reported seeing some form of verbal, physical, or other abuse in the previous year
• 40% of staff members admitted to committing some type of abuse at least once during the previous year.
• 66% of residents in long-term care facilities suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or another mental illness which limits their ability to take care of themselves or even be aware that abuse might be occurring.
• 85% of nursing home staff members blame staffing shortages for the cause of abuse.
• 20% of instances of nursing home neglect and abuse are ever reported

These statistics are shocking and immediate change is necessary.  Contact a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney if you feel you or a loved one has been an unfortunate victim of Illinois nursing home neglect.  Proactive steps must be taken to protect our loved ones.

Popularity: 17% [?]

Share This

Recent statistics show that more than ninety percent of nursing homes in the United States were cited for violations of federal standards in each of the past three years.  Sadly, these violations are so common they seem to be expected as the status quo.  In Illinois, nursing home negligence lawyers are working hard to protect residents in nursing homes and to fight for proper care.

The number of residents who have been a victim of Illinois nursing home neglect is unfortunately rising.  Stricter regulations are desperately needed in Illinois, and throughout the United States.  According to an inspector from the Department of Health and Human Services, for-profit nursing home facilities had a higher percentage of violations.  When a nursing home has a violation occur, often times the punishment is equivalent to a small slap on the wrist.  If violations are not taken seriously, how can we ensure proper care of our loved ones?

If you want to know more about how you can help prevent Illinois nursing home neglect, or if you feel a loved one is in danger of being a victim, contact a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney.  It is time to hold nursing homes accountable when inadequate care has taken place.

Popularity: 16% [?]

Share This

In the previous post, Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers discussed the problem of malnutrition in nursing homes.  Malnutrition and dehydration are the two most common types of ailments resulting from neglect.  Malnutrition and dehydration can be life-threatening.  Fortunately, both ailments can be avoided.  In this post, dehydration will be addressed and the serious complications that can arise for residents who have been the victim of this type of Illinois nursing home neglect.

Dehydration occurs when a resident’s loss of fluids is greater than their intake.  Dehydration can lead to:

• Bedsores
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Pneumonia
• Urinary tract infections
• Death

According to the Health Care Financing Administration, dehydration is one of the ten most frequent diagnoses in Medicare hospitalizations.  The risk for developing dehydration increases as a person ages.  Elderly citizens between the ages of 85 and 99 were found to be six times more likely to be admitted to the hospital for dehydration according to the same study.  Chicago nursing home abuse attorneys cannot stress enough the need for nursing home staff members to understand that elderly residents are more susceptible to dehydration.

Steps can be taken to help individuals stay properly hydrated in a nursing home.  Staff members should help the resident with drinking, be properly trained on signs of dehydrations, record the resident’s IV fluid replacement when necessary, notify a doctor if dehydration is suspected, and recommend fluids during and in between meals.  Preventative measure must be taken to ensure residents are properly hydrated and do not become victims of Illinois nursing home neglect.

Popularity: 18% [?]

Share This

A common sign of Illinois nursing home neglect is malnutrition and/or dehydration.  In the next two posts, Chicago nursing home abuse attorneys will discuss risk factors and symptoms of malnutrition and dehydration.

Malnutrition which refers to lack of proper nutrition can be life-threatening.  When a nursing home resident suffers from malnutrition, he or she is not receiving the necessary vitamins and minerals to function properly.  According to Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers, malnutrition can lead to numerous severe medical problems such as:

• Weakened immune system
• Anemia
• Death
• Infections
• Loss of muscle mass
• Memory loss or confusion
• Impairment of organs
• Weakness which can lead to falls
• Bedsores
• Pneumonia

Malnutrition can be hard to identify.  If you feel a loved one has or is currently suffering from malnutrition, contact a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney immediately.  Due to the complications of malnutrition, immediate actions is needed to avoid this life-threatening condition.

Popularity: 11% [?]

Share This

Throughout the United States and Illinois, nursing homes differ in terms of the nature of care provided.  Choosing the right type of care can help prevent you or a loved on from becoming a victim of Illinois nursing home neglect.  In general, three styles of facilities are available to choose from.  Our Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers describe the differences between the three styles:

Skilled Nursing Care:

Skilled nursing care is needed for medical conditions that involve medical personnel such as physical therapists or registered nurses.  Some residents need long-term care, while others only need short-term care following an acute injury or illness.  A resident’s primary care physician supervises and orders the treatment plan to be carried out in the nursing home.

Custodial Care:

Custodial care is necessary when a resident needs assistance with daily routines such as bathing, eating and getting dressed.  Those who take care of the residents often do not need a medical background because the tasks are simpler.

Immediate Nursing Care:

Immediate nursing care is similar to skilled nursing, but is generally used for more stable conditions that require daily assistance yet not constant nursing supervision.  Generally, this type of care lasts for an extended period of time and is administered by registered nurses.

If you have any questions regarding the types of elderly care available or Illinois nursing home neglect, contact an experienced Chicago nursing home abuse attorney.

Popularity: 15% [?]

Share This

The high cost of long term care is an important issue that has been lost in the national debate over the ability of the United States economy to handle the cost of health care reform.  As the elderly population continues to increase, Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers wonder how the United States is going to be able to deal with an estimated eighty million aging baby boomers.  The costs already associated with long term care are astronomical.  Nursing homes at this present time are dealing with a shortage of staff, inadequate nurses and Illinois nursing home neglect has become a widespread problem.

At this time, long-term care coverage is available to many elderly citizens and people with disabilities through Medicaid.  Medicare often covers a hospitalization and the first one hundred days of nursing home care if the care is deemed necessary.  Without Medicaid, after one hundred days, the financial obligation falls on the resident or his or her family.  According to a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney, the expense usually ranges between $5,000 and $10,000 per month.  This expense is often financially devastating.

If the resident has no money, or spends all of his or her assets, he or she can be qualified for Medi-Cal which is funded through taxpayers money.  This high cost for long term care paid for by taxpayers has been overlooked.  Thirty trillion dollars are projected to be spent in the coming decade on health care.

Protecting elderly citizens and providing the funds for their health care will be supported by the average taxpayer.  This issue must be debated and examined closer.  A better system needs to be in place to help provide care for aging baby boomers and protecting them from Illinois nursing home neglect.

Popularity: 38% [?]

Share This

Recently, the United States Court of Appeals, 3rd Circuit ruled that residents of county-operated nursing homes have the right to bring civil rights claims for allegations of Illinois nursing home neglect, abuse or other care-related complaints.  This right is under the Federal Nursing Home Reform Amendments.

The Federal Nursing Home Reform Amendments was passed in 1987 as an amendment to the Medicare Act.  The main goal of the FNHRA is to address nationwide concerns over nursing home care.  Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers use provisions of the FNHRA when representing victims of Illinois nursing home neglect.

The right to bring a civil right claim arose after a case involving an eighty year old resident who died in a county-run nursing home.  He suffered severe pressure ulcers, malnourishment and neglect.  The family pursued legal action and a civil rights claim under Section 1983.

U.S. Circuit Judge Richard L. Nygaard expressed his opinion by stating,

“The language used throughout the FNHRA is explicitly and unambiguously rights-creating.  These provisions make clear that nursing homes must provide a basic level of service and care for residents and Medicaid patients.”

Nygaard continued by explaining that the FNHRA guarantees nursing home residents the right to be free from involuntary seclusion, restraints, corporal punishment and physical abuse imposed for the purpose of discipline or convenience.

Chicago nursing home abuse attorneys agree that giving individuals the green light on pursuing civil rights lawsuits is a step in the right direction for preventing Illinois nursing home neglect.

Popularity: 40% [?]

Share This

Sadly, inadequate nurses work in nursing homes throughout the state of Illinois.  Nursing home neglect and abuse has become prevalent and in many cases, nurses are the individuals responsible.  Recent news articles reported one nurse twisting a patient’s jaw until he screamed.  Another nurse grabbed a resident by the shoulders and slammed him against a mattress.  While giving a bath, another angry nurse punched a resident in the face.  Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers are fighting diligently to help protect residents from dangerous nurses.

Sadly, many nurses who inflict Illinois nursing home neglect have a prior history of negligence, drug abuse, violence or incompetence yet continue to provide care across the state.  Prior inquiries or complaints can drag on, leaving nurses with a temporary spotless record.  Even conducting a background check on a new employee does not always expose the risks according to a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney.

A recent investigation of nurses who faced disciplinary action from 2002 to 2008 found the following:

• It took an average of three years to investigate and act on a complaint
• The Board gave probation to many nurses, then failed to crack down on the nurses who found themselves in trouble again
• The Board failed to use authority to stop dangerous nurses from practicing immediately

Some nurses were found to have worked in multiple facilities before any action was taken.  Something needs to be done to keep dangerous nurses away from long-term care facilities.  If you have any suspicions you or a loved one has been a victim of Illinois nursing home neglect due to an inadequate or violent nurse, Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers will fight diligently to bring any responsible party to justice.

Popularity: 43% [?]

Share This

Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers have represented victims who have been given psychotropic drugs without consent.  Psychotropic drugs are powerful and any unlawful distribution of these drugs may constitute legal action for Illinois nursing home neglect.  Education about psychotropic drugs is the first step in protecting your loved ones from the risks involved.

What are psychotropic drugs?  Psychotropics  include antidepressants, anti-anxiety and anti-psychotic drugs.  Anti-psychotic drugs pose the highest risk to residents, especially if they are used as a “restraint” by nursing home staff members.  These powerful drugs are intended to treat serious mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, not to calm down an unruly or agitated resident.

Nursing home facilities cannot administer any psychotropic drug without a doctor’s order.  By law, informed consent and a legitimate diagnosis are necessary to allow psychotropic drugs.  In recent posts, Chicago nursing home abuse attorneys have discussed the standard of care which requires the nursing staff to first try to calm patients and rule out other possible causes of agitation.  Before any psychotropic drugs can be used, consent is needed by the responsible party of the resident, generally the person with power of attorney.  This consent must be given in writing.

Psychotropic drugs are powerful.  Side effects can include dizziness, drowsiness, confusion and lethargy.  These side effects can lead to dehydration, falls and many other potentially dangerous situations.  Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers can assist if you feel a loved one has been given psychotropic drugs unlawfully.

Popularity: 40% [?]

Share This