As people enter
retirement, they start planning their Golden Years. For many, this looks like
living at home near family or moving to a destination retirement community for
a change of pace. They may choose to go on cruises or tour the world. However,
for others, declining health requires seeking help through a long-term care
facility. Ideally, living in a nursing home allows our elders to socialize with
their peers and enjoy the amenities while receiving help with routine care and
health issues. Unfortunately, many elders do not have an ideal experience.
Nursing home abuse is a
serious issue that victimizes vulnerable elders in Chicago and the US.
Approximately one in ten residents will experience abuse or neglect in
long-term care. It's long past time to bring that number down.
Understanding Nursing Home Abuse
Before you can address
an issue, you must first understand it. So let's take an introductory look at
nursing home abuse.
Types of Abuse
Abuse comes in many
nefarious forms, and a nursing home's elderly residents can be victims of all
of them. The following is an overview of abuse types and potential signs:
● Physical: hitting or otherwise harming a resident
● Emotional: verbal threats and insults
● Financial: exploiting a resident for financial
gain
● Neglect: withholding or forgetting needs such as
food and water or help bathing
● Medical: using access to medication as leverage,
not seeking care for sores or after falls
● Sexual: assault of all forms
Signs of Abuse
Ideally, your loved one
is lucid and able to seek your help. But if they are cognitively impaired or
afraid to seek help, here are some common signs
you can watch for:
● Increased fear or anxiety
● Onset of depression
● Unexplained injuries
● Bed sores
● Sepsis
● Dehydration or malnourishment
● Signed paperwork they don't understand
● Isolation and withdrawal
Effects of Abuse
Being abused can have
several effects on the victim, but the most common include:
● Physical or mental trauma
● New medical issues
● Severe conditions like sepsis or other infections
● Increased expenditures for care or therapy
● Overall decline
● Death
Seeking Justice and Compensation
in Chicago
Document Suspected Abuse
Once you suspect abuse,
it's time to investigate and gather evidence. Photos of new injuries or sores,
photos of unsafe conditions, video of staff berating residents, or witness
statements from your loved one, other residents, or other visitors all count.
If your loved one was tricked into signing something, get a copy 'for your
records.' Anything you can find to prove your case without letting on to staff
that you are suspicious.
Report Abuse to Authorities
If you witness abuse in action
or a medical emergency, the first step is to call 911. Otherwise, you can
contact the local police department through their non-emergent line. You should
also file a complaint with the Illinois Department on Aging and Adult
Protective Services.
Retain a Nursing Home Abuse
Lawyer
While the above
authorities can handle criminal abuse, you may need to pursue a civil case to
receive compensation for your loved one's losses. You can find an attorney at https://www.rosenfeldinjurylawyers.com/nursing-home-abuse-and-neglect.html. Rosenfeld is one of the top personal injury lawyers in
Chicago. They will help you seek justice for your loved one and enough
compensation to pay for any costs resulting from the abuse and their future
care.
Steps to Help Protect Your Loved
One
Have A Planning Session
If your loved one is
preparing to transition to a nursing home, sit them down with the rest of the
adults in your family and set out plans and paperwork. Decide who will be their
power of attorney, plan how to react in medical crises, and take control of
their financial accounts. These steps go a long way in ensuring your loved one
does not become a victim of abuse if their health declines. Make sure
everything is notarized and made official. Then start helping your loved one
prepare.
Research Potential Nursing Homes
Chicago is full of
nursing homes and assisted living communities. Your loved one has several
options before them. Help them research long-term care facilities in whatever area they wish to live. Look up reviews
first, but also talk to your friends and family to see if anyone has experience
with local nursing homes. Put together a list of narrowed-down potentials and
go on tours with your relative.
Advocate for Their Care
Once your loved one has
moved in, keep in contact. Monitor their situation by speaking with staff and
visiting often. If you notice anything odd about their care or living space,
bring it up with management before it devolves into a larger issue. If nothing
changes, start documenting and reach out for help.
Advocate for Their Carers
Many of the issues in
nursing homes directly result from how they are run. Nurses are often underpaid
and overwhelmed, leading to exhaustion and stress.
Poor working conditions can cause some nurses to snap and take out their frustrations
on the residents. A lack of accountability can also allow toxic employees to
get away with abuse under everyone else's nose. Get to know the staff where
your relative lives. Be kind to them, even consider befriending them. Not only
will you meet some incredible people, but you can also learn of ways you may
need to help out. As a paying client, you're in a position of power to bring
things up to management so the staff can remain anonymous.
For more information on
advocating for better conditions in nursing homes, look up nonprofits like
Nursing Home Abuse Justice for more resources and ideas.
