When you place an elderly family member into the care of a licensed Illinois long-term care facility or nursing home, you trust that the facility will provide a high level of medical and personal care and keep your loved one safe. Unfortunately, far too often that trust is betrayed by nursing home staff who either fail to provide the proper level of care or - worse - coldheartedly abuse your loved one.
The signs of nursing home abuse or neglect are often subtle, and victims often fail to report it. Here are some possible signs to watch for:
Listlessness or stupor
Bed sores
Rapid weight loss unrelated to a medical condition
Cuts or bruises that the staff cannot account for
A negative change in the patient's emotional state
The amount of abuse and neglect that takes place every day in nursing homes in Illinois is staggering. There is often a continuing pattern of abuse at certain facilities. It is important during the investigation of a particular case of abuse to analyze the facility's history of violations of federal and state regulations to uncover any patterns of abuse or neglect. Having a skilled and compassionate law firm on your side can bring your family peace of mind by stopping the abuse or neglect and holding the nursing home accountable for its actions.
If you suspect that someone you love has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, contact Drake & Collopy, P.C. right away to ensure that the proper steps are taken to investigate the facility and hold it accountable for any mistreatment of your loved one. Contact us online or call us at 312.345.0220, or toll free at 1.888.372.5355, for more information or to schedule a free consultation.
