When you place a loved one in nursing home or long term care facility in Illinois, you place a great deal of trust in others to care for and protect the individual you hold so dear to you. It can be a heartbreaking situation when that trust is compromised, when your loved one suffers an accident or injury due to abuse or neglect by the care facility.

What To Look For

Oftentimes this abuse and neglect is part of a pattern at some facilities. It's not uncommon for relatives and loved ones to have no idea that any of this is going on. Those who are the victims of abuse and neglect can be apprehensive about coming forward, fearing increased abuse. Sometimes victims simply don't wish to burden their loved ones, and sometimes victims are physically and mentally unable to communicate how they are being treated. Regardless, there are several warning signs that should be taken into account when determining whether or not your loved one might have been subject to abuse or neglect in the care of a nursing home or long term care facility.

• Cuts and Bruises, Broken Bones, Sprains or Fractures with no apparent explanation, some fresh, some in the process of healing
• Mood Swings, Increased Sensativity and Defensivness, and overall Changes in Behavior Patterns
• Bedsores and Pressure Ulcers
• Evidence of Sexual Abuse, Contracted STD's and Bleeding

Additionally, it is important to observe changes or suspicious activity by those employed by the care facility. Ask yourself, are staff members refusing access or delaying visits to your loved one? Do staff members refuse to allow the resident to be alone with his or her visitors? Are valuables or other possessions turning up lost or stolen? These individuals are the ones you are placing your trust in to protect and care for your loved ones, anytime something "doesn't appear to be right," action should be taken immediately.

What To Do

Having an Attorney on your side to address the situation and advise you of your rights is the first step towards ending the abuse and holding the nursing home accountable for their actions. If you suspect that your loved one is the victim of abuse at an Illinois nursing home or other care facility, contact The Law Offices of Michael Gunderson to learn about what steps can be taken to end the abuse and to hold the facility accountable for their actions.

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