When you place a loved one in a nursing home, you expect that he or she will get proper care and support from the staff. You are entrusting them with the care of your loved one, and it can be devastating when you find out that they have failed in their duty to you and your family member. Nursing home abuse and neglect is unacceptable in any form, and there are things your family can do if you suspect this is happening.
When abuse or neglect happens in Illinois residential facilities, such as nursing homes, victims are often reluctant to speak out. They may fear retaliation, or they may be embarrassed. It’s also possible that they may feel shame about what happened. You have the right to advocate for your loved one and seek to hold the facility accountable for these things.
Signs of neglect
It’s not always easy to recognize the signs of nursing home abuse or neglect. It may be helpful to understand the things you should be looking for and what you can do if you see of them. Common signs that something is wrong with your loved one’s care include the following:
- Your loved one often soils himself or herself because it is difficult to get to the bathroom on time.
- A patient who wears adult diapers has rash and skin irritations because he or she cannot change and clean without assistance.
- It is evident the patient is becoming immobile due to lack of assisted walking and exercise opportunities.
- There are bruises, scratches, irritations, broken bones and other indications of falls, lack of medical care or abuse.
- You find your loved one struggles with personal hygiene, changing into fresh clothes and bathing.
- The patient experienced sudden weight loss, depression, signs of withdrawal and other problems that weren’t there in the past.
These are only a few of the signs that something is wrong. Signs of abuse or neglect are serious, and you should take quick action to get to the bottom of what is happening.
Options for recourse
If the nursing facility you entrusted with the care of your loved one failed in its duty to the patient and your family, you could have grounds for a civil claim. This cannot reverse the inexcusable things your loved one experienced, but it can help your family secure what you need to cover losses, pay for better care, and address emotional pain and suffering.