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Elder abuse is a serious problem, and it’s one that affects people of all ages. If it occurs in a nursing home that you have trusted to care for your loved one, you need a nursing home abuse lawyer in Bartlett. At Carlson Bier Associates, our attorneys are here to protect them. Contact us today at 312-622-2900.
It’s important to be aware of the signs of elder abuse and know how to respond if you suspect an older friend or family member is being mistreated. Here are some issues about elder abuse in Illinois that will help you identify if your loved one needs help.
Elder abuse is a nationwide problem
Elder abuse is a widespread problem, not just in Illinois. It can be perpetrated by family members, friends, and caregivers. Elder abuse takes many different forms and can include:
- physical abuse (hitting or other forms of physical pain)
- emotional abuse (name calling, threats)
- financial exploitation (taking someone’s money)
- neglect (not providing basic necessities like food or medical care)
- Sexual abuse
According to the Illinois Department on Aging, reports indicate the following types of abuse: financial exploitation (52%), physical abuse (23%), active or passive neglect (40%), and emotional abuse (40%).
If your family member has suffered abuse in an Illinois nursing home, contact our nursing home abuse lawyer in Bartlett for a consultation.
Elder abuse takes many forms
The first step in preventing elder abuse is to understand how it can happen. The Illinois Department on Aging defines elder abuse as “any knowing or reckless act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or threatens to cause harm to an older adult.”
Physical abuse can include hitting, slapping, kicking, scratching, pinching, choking, and burning. This type of mistreatment can cause bruises and cuts but also more insidious injuries such as broken bones or internal bleeding.
Sexual abuse is inappropriate touching without consent and is considered sexual assault. This type of abuse includes non-consensual fondling as well as rape. Victims of sexual abuse may become withdrawn from others due to embarrassment about the incident(s) that occurred behind closed doors. They may become angry because no one believed them when they reported what happened previously. They may become anxious or withdrawn or exhibit signs of PTSD.
Financial abuse can include stealing money from a bank account, stealing identity information, opening new accounts or credit in the person’s name, or fraudulently signing financial documents on their behalf.
Emotional abuse can mean depriving a patient of their dignity. For example, they may be left in soiled clothing or be prevented from making any type of decisions. Emotional abuse can also be verbal abuse like insults, harassment, yelling, or threats. According to a World Health Organization study from 2020, emotional abuse is the most common type of elder abuse. Almost a third of all nursing home employees have admitted to emotionally abusing a patient.
If you suspect that your family member has been abused in a nursing home our nursing home abuse lawyer in Bartlett is here to help you pursue justice. Contact us today for a consultation at 312-622-2900.
Elder abuse in nursing homes
Nursing homes are required to report any suspected abuse of residents and have a specific plan in place to prevent abuse from occurring. If you suspect your loved one has been abused, contact the Illinois Department of Human Services immediately at their help line 1-800-843-6154. Then contact our nursing home abuse lawyer in Bartlett to help you with your personal injury claim.
Elder abuse victims are often afraid to come forward, with many fearing the repercussions of reporting their abuse. On top of the stress and worry that comes with being abused, victims may be worried about what will happen to them if they speak up. They may fear retaliation from their abusers, being blamed for the abuse, or being judged for allowing themselves to be mistreated.
If you suspect elder abuse, it’s important to contact our nursing home abuse lawyer in Bartlett
It’s important to seek legal counsel quickly. The best way to protect yourself and your family is by contacting the authorities and a lawyer as soon as possible. If you seek legal action quickly, your loved one can get justice and you can ensure no further har will be done. Our nursing home abuse lawyer in Bartlett at the law firm of Carlson Bier Associates will help you with your personal injury claim.
