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Since 2005, Michael Bonamarte IV has been a passionate advocate for victims of negligent conduct, corporate malfeasance, and medical malpractice. He has won numerous awards and recognitions, including Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers’ Rising Star. He has presented for the American Association for Justice, the AAJ Nursing Home Litigation Group, the John Marshall Law School, and numerous other legal associations. He regularly lectures at Chicago-area aging organizations about nursing home abuse. His writings have been published by the American Bar Association, the Chicago Daily Bulletin, and numerous other prestigious publications.
Read Bio
Since 2005, Michael Bonamarte IV has been a passionate advocate for victims of negligent conduct, corporate malfeasance, and medical malpractice. He has won numerous awards and recognitions, including Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers’ Rising Star. He has presented for the American Association for Justice, the AAJ Nursing Home Litigation Group, the John Marshall Law School, and numerous other legal associations. He regularly lectures at Chicago-area aging organizations about nursing home abuse. His writings have been published by the American Bar Association, the Chicago Daily Bulletin, and numerous other prestigious publications.
There are many different organizations and agencies that can handle reports of nursing home abuse or neglect in Illinois. The most appropriate place to report your nursing home abuse claim will depend on the circumstances involved, including what happened, where it occurred, and whether your loved one’s safety is in immediate danger.
Where Can I Report Nursing Home Abuse in Illinois?
Illinois Adult Protective Services (APS)
The Illinois Department on Aging’s APS Program is the primary agency handling complaints of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of elderly or disabled adults. To make a report, you can call the 24-hour APS Hotline at 1-866-800-1409.
Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
The Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program helps advocate for the rights of nursing home residents, addresses care concerns, and investigates complaints. The Ombudsman program independently represents and directly serves the resident’s interests, with the resident’s consent, making it ideal for resolving problems specific to your loved one’s care.
Ombudsmen can investigate complaints of abuse and neglect and help resolve issues, but aren’t involved with enforcement or building a legal case. In certain circumstances, the program may refer cases to other agencies better equipped to handle the issue.
Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
The IDPH is responsible for licensing and inspecting nursing homes to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations. Filing a complaint with the department may be appropriate when a facility’s general operations fall short of acceptable standards, including unsanitary living conditions, poor quality of care, consistent or intentional understaffing, and more. The IDPH’s Nursing Home Complaint Hotline is 1-800-252-4343.
Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS)
The HFS Bureau of Long Term Care oversees Medicaid Long Term Care program residents and facilities, as well as the state’s Supportive Living Program for older or disabled residents who want to live with relative independence in a community setting. The bureau also handles abuse or neglect complaints regarding these programs, and can be reached at 217-782-0545.
Illinois State Police Medicaid Fraud Control Unit
The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit is responsible for investigating cases of potential Medicaid fraud, which involves exploiting federal funding by prescribing unnecessary treatments or manipulating billing. While state police can also investigate criminal cases of abuse and neglect, they aren’t the primary reporting option for most complaints. You can call the Fraud Control Unit at (866) 748-2297.
Chicago-Specific Reporting Options
The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services has an agency dedicated to supporting local seniors and protecting them from elder abuse. You can call the department at 312-744-4016.
How Do I Determine Which Agency to Call?
If you’re unsure where to file a nursing home complaint, consulting this chart can help you determine where to start:
| If your concern is… | You should consider contacting… | Because… |
|---|---|---|
| Unexplained physical injuries | IDPH and/or law enforcement | Possible abuse requiring investigation |
| Possible emotional abuse, caregiver neglect, or financial exploitation | APS | Primary agency investigating and enforcing complaints of abuse and neglect |
| Care or living issues that personally impact your loved one | The Illinois Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | Advocates for the resident’s best interests and helps resolve care complaints |
| Systemic problems with a facility’s quality of care or living conditions | IDPH | Enforces compliance with state and federal care standards at licensed facilities |
| Concerns about unnecessary or unexplained treatment expenses | Medicaid Fraud Control Unit | Investigates financial exploitation of residents and abuse of Medicaid funds |
| Complaints involving Supportive Living Facilities | HFS | Has agency responsibility for overseeing Supportive Living Facilities |
Some situations may be appropriate for more than one agency, or feature complicated circumstances that make it difficult to determine where to go. Staff at each agency can help point you in the right direction if necessary.
What Information Should I Have Ready When Filing a Report?
While investigators can help you find and gather critical information about your loved one’s case, having as much as you can together from the beginning can give them a head start. Here are some key pieces of information to have ready for your initial report, if available:
Who:
Can I Report Nursing Home Abuse Anonymously in Illinois?
Yes, you can submit a confidential complaint to the IDPH, and some other reporting options may also allow you to remain anonymous. However, you won’t receive updates on this case if you decline to provide your name and contact information. Regardless, the IDPH will not disclose your name to the nursing home if you make a complaint.
When Should I Contact a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer?
While you don’t need an attorney to report suggested abuse to the authorities, getting experienced representation can help you understand your legal options, identify the correct reporting pathway, and take additional action if necessary.
Pursuing a legal claim against a nursing home can serve a different purpose from reporting suspected abuse, and your family may benefit from exploring both options. If you’ve submitted a complaint but your loved one is still experiencing ongoing problems, the trusted Illinois nursing home abuse lawyers at Levin & Perconti are ready to help you get justice. Contact us online or call (312) 332-2872 today to schedule a free consultation with our team.
