Finding a nursing home for an aging loved one is not easy; rampant elder abuse and mistreatment is an unfortunate reality in America. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is currently working on making the process of choosing a nursing home easier. This government agency administers Medicare and other programs, and provides information to health professionals and the public. CMS is currently expanding its database to offer more detailed information about nursing home deficiencies.
The agency started listing nursing home deficiency reports on its website in the summer of 2013; the information came from standard health and complaint surveys, which are completed during the agency’s regular compliance investigations. The current data offers information on nursing homes, and how they fare with obeying health and safety laws, for the last fifteen months; the agency hopes to soon provide information for the last three years (which translates to three cycles of standard health surveys). Beyond listing longer time periods, CMS is also working to provide a scale to indicate how severe deficiencies are—both of these changes will give families more information, and options, in choosing the right nursing home.
The increase in information and oversight is desperately needed; all over the United States, elder abuse is on the rise. In Connecticut, a group of nursing homes were recently investigated by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) for many violations of the state’s regulations, including a resident with a leg wound who had refused treatment for so long that maggots were festering inside—the resident was never moved to appropriate psychiatric care. Another incident saw a resident suffer severe weight loss due to loss of dentures, and yet another resident was dropped and injured when improperly moved from wheelchair to bed.
Connecticut’s DPH fined the facilities for these violations. In Illinois, the Department of Health also oversees enforcement of the Nursing Home Care Act, and regulates long term care facilities. DPH evaluates the severity of actual or potential physical or mental harm, and levies penalties accordingly. But it’s usually on the victims and their families to bring the cases forward.
More than 30% of nursing homes in the country experience some form of resident abuse. If you believe a loved one has been abused or neglected at a nursing home, contact Mike Agruss Law, at 312-224-4695 for a free consultation. Mike Agruss Law, represents victims of nursing home abuse and neglect throughout Illinois. We will handle your case quickly, advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you. This litigation strategy will provide you with the best possible compensation. Plus, Mike Agruss Law, does not get paid attorney’s fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple.
Therefore, you have nothing to risk when you hire our firm—just the opportunity to seek justice. Protect your loved one’s rights by contacting us today.
