Nursing home abuse is a serious problem that can have devastating effects on elderly residents. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, 1 in 10 nursing home residents experiences some form of mistreatment or neglect each year. The elderly are particularly vulnerable to being victimized because they are often physically weak and unable to defend themselves against their abusers. In addition, many victims hide their injuries out of fear or embarrassment; this makes it difficult for family members and friends to notice signs that something may be wrong until it’s too late.
The term “elderly” generally refers to anyone over 65 years old; however, this definition varies depending on where you live— for example, some states consider anyone over 60 as elderly, while others set the cutoff point at 55 years old (or even 50!). Regardless of where you fall within these age ranges, though— whether you’re just starting out as an adult or approaching retirement age —it’s important to understand what constitutes nursing home abuse so we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from becoming victims.
Identifying Abuse in Chicago Nursing Homes
The more you know about abuse and neglect in nursing homes, the more likely you can spot it or the risk factors.
First is to know the types of abuse. Elderly abuse includes physical, medical, and financial abuse, as well as neglect. Unexplained injuries can be a sign of physical abuse, while bed sores can be a sign of neglect. Poor living conditions can be a sign of abuse, as well. We should familiarize ourselves with the types and signs of elderly abuse; knowing risk factors can also help.
What Should I Look For When Preparing to Move
While there are ways to seek justice for those who have been abused, the ideal scenario is to avoid the abuse. If your loved one has developed a condition that requires long-term care, you’ll have some research ahead of you.
Nursing homes with low staffing are a red flag, as nurses are often overworked and tired, capable of making mistakes with severe consequences. In other homes, training doesn’t happen. As a result, inexperienced staff are thrown into the chaos to sink or swim, and the managers aren’t held accountable.
If a nursing home’s residence area is crowded or showing signs of age, that can be a sign the residents are experiencing neglect. In addition, unsafe conditions like tripping hazards or insufficient safety precautions can also indicate that the nursing home is not sufficiently caring for its residents.
The internet has made researching nursing homes reasonably straightforward, but you shouldn’t trust Google Reviews alone. You should also tour facilities for yourself, ask around to see if your friends or family have had experience with specific homes, and even consider talking to nursing neglect legal professionals for more resources and advice on places to avoid. These attorneys have spent countless hours investigating and prosecuting neglectful nursing homes, so they’re full of information.
Seeking Justice for Those Abused
The impact of nursing home abuse can have a devastating effect on the elderly. The most obvious consequence is physical and emotional trauma, which can lead to an increased risk of death and financial losses. In addition, it can also cause a loss of independence for those who have been victimized by such abuse. We must hold abusers accountable and work towards safer environments for our loved ones to enjoy their final years.
If you suspect abuse, start documenting everything you can. Pictures of injuries, medical records, and unsafe conditions. Screenshots of strange withdrawals. Anything you can think of.
You should also contact the authorities. For emergencies, dial 911 to get immediate help; otherwise, call the non-emergent police line. You should also report to Adult Protective Services and the Illinois Department on Aging. Once you’ve alerted these organizations and gotten help for the victim, it’s time to retain a lawyer.
While a criminal case from the above organizations can help hold the nursing home accountable and improve things for the residents, you will need to pursue a civil lawsuit to receive compensation for the victim. Abuse often leads to physical or mental trauma, which requires care; it can also lead to sepsis and death. Compensation can help you handle these unexpected costs while punishing those who failed you or your loved one.
Taking Action to Protect Older Adults
If you would like more information on how to advocate for our vulnerable relatives, you can contact one of the many nonprofit organizations that have sprung up to address the issues of nursing home abuse. You can donate to their cause or join in spreading awareness and advocating for protections with your local legislature.
