Nursing homes are a type of assisted living facility that houses people who don’t need hospital care but can’t receive proper care in their homes. They are usually synonymous with the elderly, but adults of any age can be a resident of a nursing home. Nursing homes typically provide medical care for patients 24/7, and some may even provide speech, physical, and occupational therapy.
Unfortunately, nursing homes are also known to be poorly kept places, and the staff abuses the patients. Of course, this isn’t true of all nursing homes, but it’s not uncommon either. Here are the top five deficiencies seen in Chicago nursing homes.
#1: Abuse
Abuse is the second most common issue associated with problems in nursing homes, and neglect is the first. When it comes to abuse, some may think that nursing home staff are physically harming the patients, but other forms of abuse can occur. They include:
- Verbal abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Psychological abuse
- Financial abuse
- Emotional abuse
Sexual abuse can be classified as a form of physical abuse, while verbal and emotional abuse can be classified as psychological abuse. No matter how you classify these types of abuse, they’re all wrong. As far as neglect (purposefully not attending to the needs of patients) goes, it can be just as bad as abuse.
#2: Death
A large percentage of deaths occur in nursing homes in the U.S. Fortunately, the majority of deaths in nursing homes are not associated with abuse or neglect, but as a result of Alzheimer’s disease. Still, that doesn’t mean that nursing home deaths aren’t associated with abuse or neglect— and the families of these individuals will be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Examples of neglect in nursing homes that can lead to death include:
- Malnutrition (basic nutrition needs are not met)
- Elopement (patient wanders away from the nursing home)
- Dehydration (inadequate intake of fluids, namely water)
- Another cause may be choking, as elderly patients may have trouble swallowing. Nursing home staff must assess patients to make sure they can swallow properly, and make adjustments accordingly.
#3: Falls
Falls are a leading cause of injury and death in the elderly. More than 1,000 nursing home patients die from a fall every year, and elders living in their own homes die from falls as well. Elder falls in nursing homes are usually a result of neglect, with patients falling from their beds or chairs. Other common causes of falls in nursing homes include:
- Wet floors
- Poor lighting
- Improper bed heights
- Failure to provide assistance
- Certain medications
Falls can result in fractures, broken bones, and even death. Some falls can cause internal bleeding, which can lead to death if not treated.
#4: Medication Mistakes
Medication errors are fairly common in nursing homes and other inpatient facilities. This is when the wrong medication is given to a patient, the wrong doses (too much or too little) are given to a patient, the medication is given at the wrong time, or the medication is administered incorrectly (such as not taking medicine with a meal). Medication mistakes can be considered negligence or abuse, particularly if the medication is given to a patient to sedate them unnecessarily. Both instances are considered medical malpractice since errors in medication can be harmful and even fatal.
#5: Pressure Ulcers
Pressure ulcers are also known as bed sores, and these can look like discolored patches on the skin or deep, open wounds that expose muscle and bone. Pressure sores result from nursing home patients (and patients in other inpatient facilities) sitting or lying in one spot too long. Too much pressure on one part of the skin for too long results in decreased blood flow to that area, skin breakdown, and the dying of tissues. Areas of the body most prone to pressure ulcers are the:
- Ankles
- Back
- Back of the head
- Buttocks
- Elbows
- Toes
Bed sores can lead to permanent damage, sepsis, and even death. Fortunately, patients and families of patients who have been a victim of any type of nursing home neglect or abuse can pursue justice in the state of Illinois.
The good news is that neglect and abuse don’t occur in all nursing homes across Chicago and the state of Illinois. One reason this happens is because nursing homes are severely understaffed, and the staff is stressed and often frustrated. While this doesn’t mean that neglect and abuse should be normalized in these nursing homes, it does mean that you should look into the quality of a nursing home before placing your loved one in one.
