logo

Call Now:

(312) 609-0400

24/7
Call Us for Free Consultation

Call Now: (312) 609-0400

Search
Close this search box.

Why nursing home abuse is a growing problem

Nursing home staff threatening/abusing elderly woman

or fill out the Contact Form

As medicine and technology advance, the aging population is swelling. The 2010 census showed that people aged 65 and older comprised 13% of the population, with that number expected to rise to 20% by 2050. The fastest-growing age group is those people aged 86 and older. This means the number of those living in assisted or long-term facilities will increase, increasing the risk for elder abuse. A Chicago nursing home abuse attorney can help to better understand elder abuse.

Nursing home staff threatening/abusing elderly woman

What is elder abuse?

According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, abuse is those actions that either cause harm or create a risk of harm to an elderly person by a person trusted to care for them. Failure to provide the basic needs or protect them from harm is included in this. While gender and age seem to play a role, with females being more at risk along with those who are older, it is uncertain how many elderly people are abused or neglected. While many abusers are family members, there is an equal risk for those living in nursing homes or long-term facilities. In 2008, 3.2 million Americans lived in nursing homes. Research sampling the residents of long-term facilities shows the following:

  • Of all complaints from institutional facilities, 7% of those were regarding abuse, neglect or exploitation.
  • A study involving 2,000 residents of nursing homes showed that 44% have been abused and 95% have been neglected or have seen another resident being neglected.

A Chicago nursing home abuse attorney can help understand the laws in this area.

(article continues below infographic)

Nursing home abuse growing infographic


Types of abuse on the elderly

  • Physical abuse: using force against an elderly person, that causes physical pain, injury or impairment. Aside from physical assaults, inappropriate use of drugs, restraints, and confinement are considered physical abuse.
  • Emotional abuse: speaking to or treating an elderly person in a way that emotional pain or distress is caused. Verbal forms include intimidation with yelling or threatening, humiliation, ridicule and blaming or making the elder a scapegoat. Nonverbal forms can include ignoring the elder, isolating them from others and terrorizing or menacing them.
  • Sexual abuse: contact with an elderly person without their consent. Aside from physical actions, showing them pornography, forcing them to watch sexual acts or forcing them to undress are also in this category.
  • Neglect or abandonment: when a caretaker fails to fulfill their obligation. Unintentional neglect through ignorance or denial still constitutes neglect.
  • Financial exploitation: Unauthorized use of an elderly person’s resources. This scams from an outside source. Some caregivers might misuse an elderly person’s money, in different forms, steal from the person, forge their signature or steal their identity. Scams can include claiming an elderly person has won a prize that they then have to pay in order to get, fake charities or investment fraud.
  • Healthcare fraud or abuse: this is done by medical professionals or other professional care providers. This could be charging for health care not provided, overcharging for services, over or under medicating, Medicaid fraud, and other kinds of fraud and abuse.

When possible, a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney can help.

Illinois facilities

Illinois accounts for more than 100,000 residents living in 1,200 long term facilities. It is the responsibility of the Bureau of Long-Term Care, part of the Illinois Department of Public Health, to make sure the facility is complying with those provisions set forth by the state Nursing Home Care Act. This Department also conducts surveys ensuring those places who receive state and federal money (Medicaid and Medicare) are operating under federal regulations. The Department surveyors conduct approximately 10,000 surveys every year to include things like inspections of licenses, investigating complaints and continuing to inspect a facility. A Chicago nursing home abuse attorney will be educated on both federal and state regulations and can assist in abuse or neglect cases.

Report, report, report!

Because elder abuse is too often not reported, reporting every time can be a key to preventing it. Illinois has an elderly abuse prevention plan in place, but they cannot help or prevent those cases not reported.
According to the Illinois Department on Aging, there are steps to take when reporting abuse in nursing homes. One important step is to call the local long-term care sub-state Ombudsman or call the Illinois Department of Aging senior helpline to report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation. To file a complaint against the facility, contact the Illinois Department of Public Health, who will record and investigate the claim. As an individual, hiring a Chicago nursing home attorney can help to understand and make the next step.

Nursing home abuse occurs more than is known. Knowing what to do in these situations and having a Chicago nursing home attorney can help an individual who has been or is being abused.

Share This Article

As the founder of the firm, Neal has devoted his life to working for the worker. His achievements are numerous and beyond reproach. He is most proud of his work in helping clients obtain valuable benefits, such as a wheelchair ramp to his home or lifetime medical care.

or fill out the Contact Form

As the founder of the firm, Neal has devoted his life to working for the worker. His achievements are numerous and beyond reproach. He is most proud of his work in helping clients obtain valuable benefits, such as a wheelchair ramp to his home or lifetime medical care.

Related Articles

Depressed senior man sitting on bench. Nursing home neglect
Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect

Nursing Home Neglect: Is This Silent Killer Lurking in Your Loved One’s Home?

Nursing home neglect is on the rise in Chicago, Illinois, with residents reporting emotional abuse, physical abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. Common signs of neglect include lack of basic amenities, unclean environment, unexplained changes in behavior, and isolation.

Cropped of female social worker helping senior woman to walk with walker at home. nursing home laws and regulations
Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect

How Nursing Home Laws and Regulations Protect Residents in Illinois

The Department of Health in Illinois (IDPH) conducts annual inspections to ensure care facilities observe state-specific nursing home laws and regulations. On the other hand, CMS ensures that nursing homes that receive Medicare and Medicaid funding comply with federal regulations, like the Nursing Home Reform Act.

A group of seniors smiling together while in a retirement home
Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect

What Are a Nursing Home Resident’s Rights?

The Nursing Home Reform Act is a federal law that was passed in 1987 and established a set of minimum standards of care for nursing homes that participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs. It requires states to enforce these standards through regular inspections and monitoring.

Get a FREE Consultation:
We want to earn your business.

    Lawyers logos
    Lawyers logos