Children often grow up with a sense of family, reinforced by the presence of relatives and close friends. Even when parents go it alone, they do their best to make sure children are ready to accept their place in life. But this relationship does not last forever. Eventually, parents and other relatives may need our help.
It was common in ages past for older relatives to move in with children’s families, but this is rarely a possibility due to the fast-paced nature of modern life. One of the options that often attracts families with its full-coverage approach to caring for elders is a nursing home or assisted-living facility.
These homes are run by professionals who are responsible for hiring competent and patient staff members who will care properly for people. But this task is complicated by aging, with the possibility of dementia and limited mobility. Some individuals and institutions can be prone to ignoring the serious needs of their patients.
The operator of a nursing facility is facing its second fine in Illinois in less than two years due to abuse and neglect of residents. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) identified seven violations of the operator’s license after a short-term resident with an injured right foot failed to get the care necessary for improvement.
Previous violations by the operator concerned the death of a resident at the hands of another as well as one resident’s escape. Illinois and other states often keep digital directories of related violations, so relatives can make an informed decision about where their cherished elders should live.
If a violation has already occurred and a nursing home resident is at risk, a claim in civil court may result in financial damages for previous poor care and an impetus for facilities to clean up their acts. An attorney can help examine the details of a case and advise residents and their loved ones.
