What Should I Do if I Suspect Nursing Home Abuse in Illinois?
If you suspect nursing home abuse in Illinois, it is time to take prompt and decisive action in order to ensure the safety and well-being of your loved one. Here are the steps you should consider:
Seek Emergency Assistance
If there is an imminent threat to your loved one’s safety, seek emergency assistance by calling 911 or report abuse to the local authorities.
Document Your Concerns
Keep detailed records of your observations, including any signs of abuse or neglect, dates, times, and the names of individuals involved. Document changes in your loved one’s physical or emotional well-being.
Contact the Nursing Home Administrator
Reach out to your Illinois nursing home residents administrator or manager by calling the nursing home hotline and express your concerns. Provide them with the documented evidence and request a thorough investigation into the matter.
Speak with Staff Members
Talk to staff members who are directly involved in care of the nursing home resident. Obtain their perspectives on the situation and inquire about any changes in your loved one’s condition.
File a Complaint with Regulatory Agencies
Report suspected abuse of nursing home residents to the Illinois Department of Public Health or Illinois Department on Aging’s hotline for adult protective services. You can file a complaint online or contact the department’s toll-free number to report the incident.
Arrange for Medical Care
If your loved one has suffered injuries or health complications, seek prompt medical attention. Document any medical assessments, diagnoses, and treatment plans related to the suspected abuse.
Consult with an Attorney
Reach out to an experienced nursing home abuse attorney for legal representation. They can explain to you the legal options available, help you report nursing home abuse to the Illinois Department of Public Health, and move fast to build an evidence-based case for damages against the liable parties.
Types of Experts Your Attorney may Hire to Prove Nursing Home Abuse Occurred
In suspected nursing home abuse cases, attorneys often leverage the expertise of various professionals and specialists to confirm abuse, identify liable parties, and establish their liability.
Medical Experts
- Geriatricians: Specialized in the care of elderly individuals, geriatricians can assess the impact of abuse on the physical and mental health of the residents of nursing homes.
- Forensic Nurses: Trained to collect evidence related to supportive living facility complaints, forensic nurses can document injuries, identify signs of neglect, and provide expert testimony.
Psychological and Psychiatric Experts
- Psychologists: Assess the emotional and psychological impact of abuse on the resident, providing insights into any behavioral changes or trauma.
- Psychiatrists: Offer psychiatric evaluations to determine if the abuse has led to mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Nursing and Care Standards Experts
- Nurse Consultants: Evaluate whether the nursing home adhered to accepted standards of care and identify any deviations that may constitute negligence or abuse.
- Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs): Offer insights into daily care practices and whether staff members followed proper procedures.
Other Experts as Needed
- Forensic Accountants: Investigate financial aspects, especially in cases of financial exploitation or fraud within the nursing home, providing evidence of financial wrongdoing.
- Security Analysts: Analyze surveillance footage, if available, to identify instances of abuse or neglect and provide expert opinions on the security measures in place.
- Physical Therapists: Assess the impact of abuse on the resident’s physical health and functionality, providing expert opinions on the extent of injuries and necessary rehabilitation.
- Social Workers: Investigate the social aspects of abuse, including interactions with staff and other residents, coordinate with family services, and provide insights into any neglect or isolation.
- Vocational Rehabilitation Experts: Assess the impact of abuse on the resident’s ability to perform daily activities and engage in vocational or recreational pursuits.
- Public Health Experts: Evaluate the nursing home’s overall public health practices, including infection control measures and responses to health emergencies.
- Biomechanical Engineers: Analyze injuries sustained by the resident to determine the force and mechanism involved, providing insights into the likelihood of abuse.
- Data Analysts: Analyze electronic records, communication logs, and other digital information to identify patterns or irregularities that may indicate abuse or negligence.
Get Legal Representation from Trusted and Proven Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Attorneys
At Hipskind & McAninch, LLC, your elderly loved one’s well-being is not just a case but a deeply personal commitment. As advocates against nursing home abuse, our steadfast pursuit of justice and compensation is driven by compassion and tenacity of purpose your family deserves. Let our seasoned team stand as guardians for those who cannot defend themselves, ensuring accountability for wrongs suffered. Call us at 618-617-6320 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today.
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