The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 1.4 million Americans live in nursing homes. Not only are the lives of these individuals affected by nursing home safety and protocols within the homes but their loved ones, family members, and friends are also impacted by the care that is provided. In Illinois, it is the duty of a nursing home, long-term care facility, and the employees that work in these settings to provide assistance consistent with the standard of care to residents and to treat safety as a paramount concern.
Yet despite the impact that nursing homes have, despite the laws that govern their conduct, and despite the moral duty that employees and owners have to provide adequate care, nursing home abuse and neglect happens every day in American and vulnerable adults are forced to suffer the consequences. It can be difficult to identify when nursing home abuse happens because many victims are unable to alert others to the wrongdoing and many perpetrators are able to conceal their misconduct. If you suspect neglect or harm done to a loved one in a nursing facility, speaking with a personal injury attorney in Illinois may help you realize what rights may exist to protect your loved one and enable him or her to receive the relief that is deserved.
Both local police and the FBI are investigating the care provided to at least eight residents of a nursing home in Snellville, Georgia after reports of mistreatment surfaced. A former patient of the home was transported to a hospital in April with severe bed sores down to the bone and a significant cut to her forehead. After her arrival at the hospital, doctors attempted to help the woman, 77, but she died in late April. Her cause of death has not yet been released.
Employees at the nursing home alleged that the woman sustained the cut to her forehead when she fell but the woman’s family has reported that it was impossible since the victim suffered from advanced dementia and had been confined to bed for several years. Reports indicate that the woman was incapable of turning herself while in bed and therefore would not have been able to fall on her own.
Following the incident, allegations of abuse and neglect towards at least seven other patients at the facility emerged with several consistent themes among the claims including dehydration and malnutrition. The outcome of the investigation will determine if any criminal charges will be brought in association with the care provided at the facility.
Mistreatment of the elderly and those in need of medical care is a disturbing reality in Illinois nursing homes today, but it should not be. Patients in care homes should not face to face the threat of harm from those charged with their care and should not have their needs ignored.
If you believe that your family member or loved one has suffered due to nursing home abuse or neglect, call the Illinois personal injury attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us provide you with a free case consultation without obligation. We can be reached toll free at (855) 529-2442 or locally at (312) 924-7575 and we have a licensed lawyer available to take your call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call now and let us help you get the relief you deserve.
Prior Blog Entry:
Employee Admits Intentionally Swapping Nursing Home Patients’ Prescription Medication, Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Blog, published May 14, 2015.
Resource:
FBI, Snellville police investigating nursing home abuse claims, by Joshua Sharpe, Gwinnett Daily Post, published May 19, 2015.