Nursing homes are legally responsible for respecting residents’ rights under Illinois law and providing compassionate care. This care should allow patients to maintain the highest level of physical, psychological, and mental health. Unfortunately, nursing home abuse and neglect is widespread, causing devastating injuries to residents nationwide.
That said, when you suspect a nursing facility is neglecting your loved one, it is vital to act quickly. A compassionate and understanding personal injury attorney could help you address these issues and take legal action to protect your family member. Call a Melrose Park nursing home abuse lawyer today for more information.
What Are Common Forms of Nursing Home Abuse?
Nursing home abuse takes various forms, including physical, emotional, and financial abuse or neglect at the hands of caregivers. Some of the common forms of nursing home abuse include the following:
Physical Abuse
These injuries occur when a caregiver or facility team member intentionally harms a resident. Abuse includes physical assault, misuse of physical constraints, or sexual assault.
Neglect
Neglect is the intentional or unintentional failure of nursing home staff to provide residents with daily physical and psychological needs. Basic needs include quality health care, adequate food and water, and isolation.
Emotional Abuse
Emotional abuse can be as damaging to residents as physical abuse. It includes verbal abuse, humiliation, ignoring, and intentional isolation.
Financial Exploitation
Financial exploitation includes misusing or taking assets or personal property from residents. When family members notice unexplained missing funds, credit cards, or belongings, financial exploitation is likely. A Melrose Park attorney could help families understand the warning signs of nursing facility abuse during a private consultation.
The Illinois Nursing Home Care Act
Because abuse of nursing home patients is a significant problem, federal and state laws are in place to protect residents. According to the Nursing Home Care Act outlined in Illinois Compiled Statutes 210 45/, nursing facilities must adhere to the following guidelines:
- Advising residents and their spouses of their rights under the Act upon admittance into the facility
- Protecting residents’ rights provided by the United States Constitution
- Permitting residents or their guardians to manage their finances
- Providing residents with adequate space for personal property and permit them to use their property unless it poses a health issue
- Allowing residents or their guardians to make medical care decisions and see healthcare professionals of their choosing
- Respecting every resident’s right to privacy
- Refraining from abusing or neglecting residents, including using unnecessary restraints or illicit drugs
A hardworking lawyer in Melrose Park could determine if a long-term care facility failed to comply with state and federal regulations.
Schedule to Meet a Skilled Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Melrose Park
Nursing homes and assisted living facilities must provide patients with proper care, safety, and comfort. However, these facilities and their staff members often fail to do so. While neglect can cause severe harm to your loved ones, taking quick action can help you protect them from further abuse.
A tenacious and determined Melrose Park nursing home abuse lawyer could help you recover damages and hold a long-term care facility accountable for its actions. When you believe your loved one is not receiving the care they deserve, call our firm to schedule a consultation and begin filing your claim.