Gurnee Senior Center Operating Without License

The Chicago Tribune is reporting that "Theresa's Home Care" in Gurnee has been operating with authority from Gurnee nor the proper licensing from the Illinois Department of Public Health. The State became aware of the situation when paramedics responded to a 911 emergency call and arrived at the home to find more than a dozen seniors living there. The owner of the home, Theresa Bicok is quoted as saying that the facility is a place for seniors who either can’t afford a larger assisted-living facility or who prefer a more intimate setting.

The Illinois Administrative Code provides the rules and regulations for Long-Term Care Facilities. Based on the information in the Chicago Tribune article, the owners and operators of this facility fail to not only recognize the need for proper licensure, but also that there are different rules and regulations for Senior Living Centers, Nursing Home, Assisted Care Facilities, etc. Different facilities are licensed to provide different "skill levels" of care. Obviously, the purpose of these facilities obtaining the proper licensure is so the IDPH can track and monitor these facilities. As an Illinois Nursing Home Attorney, I've seen first hand how the State has limited resources to track licensed facilities. Situations like this where the facility is operating "outside the system" make it almost impossible for the State to track. The fear, of course, is that the seniors are then at greater risk because there is no accountability.

If you have any questions regarding this post or an issue involving Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect, please contact Illinois Nursing Home Attorney Mike Keating at 312-208-7702 or MKeating@KeatingLegal.com. All initial consultations are confidential and free.