Common Injuries in Nursing Homes

 Posted on June 21, 2023 in Nursing Home Abuse

When considering placing loved ones in a nursing home, it is important to think carefully and with concern. There are potential risks, including common injuries, that come with nursing home care. Knowing about these injuries and Chicago's regulations can help family members advocate for their loved ones' safety and wellbeing.

Common Injuries in Nursing Homes

Some of the most common injuries in nursing homes are:

1. Concussions

Concussions caused by slips and falls are common occurrences in nursing homes. Detecting the symptoms of a concussion can be challenging. They can be mistaken for medication side effects or dementia, which leads to confusion, headaches, dizziness and mood changes. This can make it hard to detect them early.

2. Bed Sores

Bed sores are painful blisters that can develop in nursing home residents with limited mobility due to restricted blood flow to a specific part of the body. If they are left untreated, bed sores can become infected and pose a significant health risk.

3. Infections

Due to the close living quarters and the elderly population's vulnerability, infections can spread easily in nursing homes. Residents who are bedridden may develop infections from untreated bed sores, making it essential to promptly treat them to prevent this.

4. Fractures

Fractured hips and other broken bones are frequent injuries among seniors in nursing homes due to their weaker bones and high risk of falling. However, implementing safety measures can help prevent these accidents from occurring.

Legal Protections in Chicago

In Chicago, both federal and state nursing home regulations safeguard the rights and welfare of residents. The Illinois Nursing Home Care Act establishes licensing requirements, standards of care, and residents’ rights. These regulations aim to ensure nursing home residents receive high-quality care and prevent any cases of abuse or neglect in nursing homes.

The IDPH in Illinois is in charge of licensing and regulating long-term care facilities. They perform routine inspections to make sure everything is following the rules. Any complaints regarding nursing home neglect or abuse are also investigated by the IDPH.

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program serves as an additional layer of support and oversight, advocating for residents’ rights and investigating complaints of abuse and neglect​​.

Despite these protective measures, nursing home abuse and neglect still occur. Therefore, vigilance is key. Signs of abuse can include unexplained injuries, frequent infections or bed sores, rapid weight loss, and anxiety or fear around nursing home staff. If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect, report it immediately to the appropriate authorities and contact a Chicago nursing home abuse attorney to ensure proper compensation for any injuries or losses suffered​​.

Contact a Chicago Nursing Home Lawyer

If you or a loved one have been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, it is beneficial to work with a Cook County personal injury attorney to navigate through the proper steps. Call Schwartz Injury Law at 312-535-4625 to schedule a free consultation.

Source

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs5.asp?ActID=1225&ChapterID=21