Are you preparing to move an elderly parent, elderly grandparent, or other vulnerable loved one into an assisted living facility? You may feel stressed, confused, and even overwhelmed. Picking a nursing home is a very important choice. Unfortunately, too many families in Chicago and elsewhere in Northern Illinois struggle to find a reliable facility. Here, our Chicago nursing home abuse attorney provides an action-oriented guide for finding a safe facility for your vulnerable loved one.
Step #1: Know Your Loved One’s Specific Medical and Emotional Needs
What is the right nursing home for your vulnerable family member? It depends, in part, on the specific nature of his or her needs. Indeed, finding the right nursing home starts with understanding your loved one’s unique medical and emotional needs. Do they require specialized memory care for dementia? Do they need assistance with daily activities like dressing and bathing? Beyond medical support, you should also consider emotional well-being. For example, will your loved one feel comfortable in a lively, social environment or prefer a quieter setting? You should talk to their doctors, therapists, and caregivers to assess their needs comprehensively. A clear picture can help you find the right Chicago nursing home from your family member.
Step #2: Do Your Research On Local Nursing Homes
Research is a must. Once you understand your loved one’s needs, you should carefully research nursing homes in the local area. How do you do research on a nursing home? You may want to start by reading online reviews. You can also check out government ratings and ask for recommendations from doctors and/or social workers. Key things to look for are care staff qualifications, patient to caregiver ratios, and a facility has a history of violations or (ideally) lack thereof. Here are some tools that you can use you get started:
- ProPublica Nursing Home Inspect: ProPublica’s Nursing Home Inspect is an extremely comprehensive investigative tool. It aggregates data from over 15,000 nursing homes across the United States—including many dozens of facilities in the Chicagoland area. Further, it allows users to search through more than 90,000 inspection reports. You can use the ProPublica tool to filter results by state, county, facility name, and other criteria. The platform also provides information on fines, staffing levels, and ownership details. The resource is an invaluable tool for families seeking transparent and detailed information to make an informed decision.
- CMS Nursing Home Database: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) maintains a comprehensive Nursing Home Database that offers detailed information on every Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing home in the country. Users can access data on health inspections, staffing ratios, quality measures, and overall ratings. The database allows for side-by-side comparisons of facilities. It is designed to help families who are trying to find the right nursing home for a vulnerable loved one.
- Illinois Department of Public Health (Quarterly Violations): The Illinois Department of Public Health publishes Quarterly Reports of Nursing Home Violators. It details disciplinary actions against facilities that have violated the Nursing Home Care Act. These reports categorize violations by severity, from Type C (least severe) to Type AA (most severe). You can check these reports from the IDPH to check out the history of a facility. It is always a best practice to see if a facility has a history of regulatory violations.
Step #3: Take a Tour of the Facility
Most assisted living facilities in Chicago allow people to take tours of the facility. It is always best to see a nursing home in person if you can do so. Visiting a nursing home in person provides insights you likely will not get from brochures or websites. You may be able to observe how staff interact with residents. You can also look to see if the environment is clean, safe, and welcoming. You can also ask about things like daily activities for residents, the quality of meals, and access to medical care. You should never hesitate to inquire about staff turnover rates, emergency protocols, and how they handle complaints. Choosing a nursing home is a big decision. First hand experience can help.
Step #4: Visit Regularly and Follow-Up On Any Problems
Moving a loved one into a nursing home does not mean stepping back. Quite the contrary, it means staying involved. As a best practice, you should visit regularly at different times of the day to observe the care quality. You should also pay attention to their mood, physical condition, and any changes in behavior. If you notice concerns—whether it is hygiene, medication management, or emotional distress—address them immediately with staff and administrators. You should also keep communication open, advocate for your loved one’s needs, and document any ongoing issues. Your presence can make a difference.
How Our Chicago Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Can Help
Unfortunately, nursing home abuse remains a serious problem. Hopefully, it will not be a problem that you and your family have to deal with. However, if you notice that your vulnerable loved one is struggling in an assisted living facility, it is imperative that you take immediate action. At Kennedy Watkins LLC, our Chicago attorneys are fierce advocates for justice. We have a proven history of six and seven figure verdicts and settlements, including in nursing home abuse claims. A consultation with our Chicago nursing home abuse & neglect lawyers is free and fully confidential.
Contact Our Chicago Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Today
At Kennedy Watkins LLC, our Chicago nursing home abuse lawyers are committed to putting victims and families first. If you or your loved one was the victim of abuse or neglect in an assisted living facility, we are here to help. Give us a phone call now or get in touch with us directly online to set up a no cost, no obligation, and fully confidential case review. We handle nursing home abuse cases in Chicago, Cook County, and throughout the entire region in Northern Illinois.