As many adults become older, they often become frailer and not able to take care of themselves. They are not able to stand up for themselves or fight back if they are attacked. Elders are normally abused wherever they are living, most of the time this is at a long-term care facility. Elder abuse can be committed in many different forms:
- Physical abuse: Physical abuse is when the caregiver causes physical injuries to the elder. This can also include the abuse of having the elder use drugs, wear restraints, or be confined.
- Sexual abuse: Sexual abuse is when the elder is being touched without their consent, or worse.
- Emotional abuse: Emotional abuse is when the elders are caused pain or distress psychologically or emotionally.
- Healthcare fraud and abuse: Healthcare fraud and abuse is when the elder is paying for healthcare but is either paying double the price or is not receiving the care but is being charged for it. These actions are normally done by non-licensed doctors that are only trying to trick elders for their money.
- Financial exploitation: Financial exploitation is when a caregiver is spending the elder’s money without permission. This can also include scams.
- Elder neglect: Elder neglect is when the caregiver fails to watch after the elder because of ignorance.
Illinois has more than 1,200 nursing homes and care facilities. These facilities are regulated and inspected by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA). Sometimes there are bad facilities that slip through the cracks.
If there is an elder person that you suspect is suffering from a neglectful caregiver then you should report it immediately.
Step 1: Evaluate the Situation
All elderly people subjected to elderly abuse or neglect are protected by the Adult Protective Services Act. Illinois law requires that any professional should make a report of suspected abuse of an elder if the elder is not able to make the report themselves.
If you are the one writing the report, then you should make sure to take these questions into consideration:
- Did I see the abuse?
- Are there any signs of abuse?
- Do I know when the abuse started?
- Has my loved one tried to report the abuse herself?
- Have any other seniors tried to make a complaint?
When filing the report make sure that you communicate all the points.
Step 2: File a Complaint with the Department of Aging or the Senior Helpline
You can report the abuse to the Senior HelpLine at (800) 252-8966 or (888) 206-1327. You can also email them at aging.ilsenior@illinois.gov. The helpline is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Step 3: Contact a Lawyer
Nursing home abuse should not go unchecked. You and your loved one deserve compensation. Some types of damages that you may claim are as follows:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Wrongful death
Once you file a complaint, you should contact a lawyer to make sure that your family member’s rights are upheld. With a Rockford nursing home abuse lawyer, you can guarantee that you and your loved one will get the justice that you both deserve. Your lawyer also wants the abuser to take responsibility for their misdeeds and prevent them from hurting any other seniors in the future.
