Nursing home abuse and neglect is a serious issue that affects thousands of nursing home residents in Illinois. Often, negligence occurs when nursing homes are understaffed or direct-care workers are undertrained. Although workers hope to provide the proper care and attention that every resident deserves, it is often difficult to deliver quality care in these conditions. Due to this, it is crucial for families and friends of nursing home residents to understand what constitutes nursing home abuse and neglect. By being able to identify the warning signs of neglect, you may help to protect your loved ones from needless suffering.

Nursing home abuse and neglect presents in many different ways and can affect a resident physically, mentally and emotionally. Warning signs of inadequate care include:

• Falls
• Pressure ulcers
• Malnutrition and/or dehydration
• Over-medication
• Cuts, bruises or broken bones
• Poor hygiene
• An unclean environment and/or smells
• Weight loss
• Changes in demeanor
• Wandering or elopement
• Medication errors

In Illinois, nursing home residents and their families have a right to question a nursing home's care decisions. A facility cannot retaliate against your loved one when you question care. If you believe a loved one is receiving substandard nursing care, you should discuss their care plan with staff. You can also contact the Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman who can help you look into your concerns, or the Illinois Department of Public Health to file a complaint against the home.

If your loved one has suffered a serious injury or death as a result of nursing home negligence, feel free to contact an experienced Chicago personal injury lawyer to discuss your potential case at 312-332-2872 or 877-374-1417 or complete our Contact Form. Legal action not only compensates victims, but also sends a message to negligent nursing homes that poor care will not be tolerated, thereby helping to improve conditions and the quality of care for residents throughout Illinois.