The decision to place a loved one in a nursing home is not an easy one for most Chicago residents. It can be stressful when a loved one is no longer able to care for themselves and needs to be in a facility that can help them. Family members can feel guilty about their decision and will want their loved one to go to the best possible place. Most of the time nursing homes are safe. But, occasionally these facilities can be understaffed, and unexpected injuries or even deaths can occur.
Lawmakers in Illinois are tackling the serious problem of understaffed nursing homes. Nursing homes are being forced to transfer patients to hospitals because the nursing homes are so understaffed. This has been referred to as “hospital dumping” and many times these patients would be fine in the nursing home if it were properly staffed. State House committee members have advanced a bill that would prevent nursing homes from operating without appropriate staff and involuntarily transferring their residents to a hospital.
Families who have loved ones in nursing homes worry about their health and safety. If a family believes their loved one is suffering nursing home abuse, they may want to speak with a legal professional. An attorney understands what can go wrong in a nursing home and can help a family get the answers they deserve. They can investigate nursing home records and hospital records and hold the staff and facilities accountable for their negligence. Compensation may be available for medical expenses, funeral expenses, pain and suffering and other damages.
Despite serving a very important purpose in our society, nursing homes can be a dangerous place for loved ones. It is important to hold these facilities accountable for their negligence, so that they don’t harm anyone else.
