Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect
When residents of nursing homes, assisted living centers and extended healthcare institutions suffer abuse or neglect or die, the caregivers and the corporations that own the nursing homes may be held liable for personal injury and wrongful death.
The number of senior citizens who depend on nursing homes and a variety of assisted living facilities for basic needs is steadily increasing. Recent statistics indicate there are nearly 17,000 nursing homes in the United States that currently care for 1.6 million elderly and disabled residents. And, the numbers are expected to quadruple by 2050.
Despite the rising fees residents pay, the care they receive is sadly deficient. Surveys and eyewitness reports show that nursing home negligence is a serious problem, approaching epidemic proportions, and often blamed on corporate owners of nursing homes and living centers placing greater importance on profits than resident care.
Many nursing homes face staff shortages. Existing staff may have inadequate training, may be overworked and underpaid, leading to neglect and abuse of vulnerable residents.
Abuse and neglect are not always easy to recognize and frequently are covered up by nursing home staff. If a family member or friend is in a nursing home or assisted living center, it is important to watch for signs of neglect and abuse.
Nursing home negligence and abuse takes on many forms. Examples include:
- Malnutrition and Dehydration
- Negligent Supervision
- Falls resulting in Dislocations and Fractures
- Inappropriate Use of Physical Restraints
- Physical, Emotional, and Psychological Abuse
- Medication and Prescription Errors
- Bedsores and Infections
- Financial Abuse and Exploitation
If you suspect a family member or someone you care about is a victim of nursing home negligence, seeking legal advice and guidance is critical. At Ambrose & Associates, our attorneys represent nursing home residents and their families throughout Illinois.
