Stop Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect in Illinois
By the Numbers
1 in 6
Cases of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation are reported to authorities
1-2 million
Americans ages 65 and older are abused by their caretakers
Source: National Center on Elder Abuse
Rights of Nursing Home Residents
Under the federal Nursing Home Reform Law of 1987, all nursing homes are required “to provide services and activities to attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident in accordance with a written plan of care.”
The Illinois Act on Aging and Elder Abuse Act provides protections similar to those under federal law.
Signs of Elderly Abuse & Neglect
Unfortunately, nursing home residents’ rights are often violated. If your elderly loved one is living in a nursing home in Chicago or elsewhere in Illinois, you need to pay close attention to his or her physical, mental and financial condition. In particular, you need to be on the lookout for signs that may indicate abuse or neglect, including:
- Physical abuse – Bruises and other injuries on the arms, legs, back, stomach or face
- Emotional abuse – Depression, sudden behavioral changes or signs of fear (especially when in the presence of a nursing home staff member or caregiver)
- Sexual abuse – Bruising or fingerprints on the breasts, buttocks, genital areas and inner thighs
- Financial abuse – Unexplained financial transactions, checks bouncing, bills going unpaid
- Neglect – Severe and unplanned weight loss, unexplained worsening of a medical condition, infections, bed sores, falls or injuries that go unaddressed
Be a Voice for the Vulnerable: Report Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
If you have a good faith belief that your loved one is being abused or neglected in a nursing home facility in Chicago or Illinois, you can take action by reporting the case to the proper authorities.
You can call:
Illinois elder abuse hotline (866) 800-1409
Illinois nursing home hotline(800) 252-4343
You can also e-mail: aging.ilsenior@illinois.gov
Illinois law shields those who report suspected abuse and neglect of nursing home residents. You should not face civil or criminal liability or professional disciplinary action. Your name won’t be released without a court order or written consent.
Contact Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C.
If you or a loved one is a nursing home abuse or neglect victim and you are ready to take legal action, a lawyer at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. is available to help you. Call or contact us online right away.
