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Many of us place our trust in nursing homes to provide the best care to our elderly loved ones. Unfortunately, nursing abuse occurs far too regularly across the nation. In 2018 alone, the Nursing Home Abuse Center reported that one in ten people over the age of 65 in the United States had suffered from elder abuse.
However, there are actions that family members can take to address past mistreatment and prevent future harm from occurring. If you or your loved one have been a victim of mistreatment in an assisted living facility, contact a Madison County nursing home abuse lawyer to help get the justice you deserve. A dedicated legal advocate could help you recover from this traumatic ordeal and pursue appropriate compensation for your losses.
Types of Nursing Home Abuse
It is important to remember that nursing home abuse can come in many different forms, many of which may not leave visible marks. Some of the more common types of mistreatment that occur in assisted living facilities include:
- Physical abuse
- Malnutrition
- Medication errors
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Verbal harassment
- Financial abuse
No matter what type of harm has been inflicted, it is important to report any suspected abuse as soon as possible to protect the nursing home resident from continued mistreatment. After alerting the appropriate authorities, an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer could advise Madison County residents on the next steps to take in seeking legal redress.
Signs of Abuse in Assisted Living Facilities
Abuse may not always be easy to detect. However, it is crucial to remain aware of the common signs of abuse, especially since many elders are unable to stand up for themselves or communicate their mistreatment to others. Indications of elder abuse may include the following:
- Bruises, wounds, bedsores, or burns
- Depression or withdrawal
- Sudden weight loss
- Poor hygiene
- Torn clothing
- Sudden change in finances
Nursing Home Abuse Laws in Madison County
In Illinois, the Nursing Home Care Act provides various protections for residents of assisted living facilities. The Act outlines residents’ rights, which include:
- The right to manage their financial affairs
- The right to retain and use or wear their personal property
- The right to adequate storage space for their personal property
- The right to retain their physician
- The right to participate in planning their own care and medical needs
In addition to these rights, the Act also specifies the duties that are owed to residents. This includes a specific provision that the owner of the nursing home will be liable for any intentional acts or failures by their employees that cause injuries to the residents. A knowledgeable local attorney could further explain the Nursing Home Care Act and how it may impact a particular abuse case.
Call a Dedicated Madison County Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
A nursing home is meant to be a place where residents can expect safety, comfort, and care. However, the sad reality is that many nursing home residents experience abuse, either as intentional acts of mistreatment or due to subpar living conditions.
If you or a loved one experienced any form of maltreatment in an assisted living facility, call a Madison County nursing home abuse lawyer. A compassionate attorney could guide you through the legal process of seeking recovery for your losses.
