Monday, January 14, 2013

5 Key Rights of Nursing Home Residents in Illinois

Hearing about a "nursing home" usually brings to mind a vision of a retirement community where senior citizens can live in a relaxing group environment. In an ideal nursing home there is plenty of socializing amongst residents and the staff is always available to assist with basic medical needs and the tasks of everyday living.

Despite the phrase "Nursing Home" in its title, Illinois' Nursing Home Care Act (210 ILCS 45) actually protects residents and patients of all types of intermediate and long-term care facilities in Illinois. The rules and obligations in the Nursing Home Care Act apply to any facility which houses three or more people who are receiving "personal or medical care, including but not limited to mental health treatment, psychiatric rehabilitation, physical rehabilitation, and assistance with activities of daily living." (210 ILCS 45/1-113 and 1-122). Whether due to a relative's aging-related decline in health, a developmental disability or rehabilitation from an injury or illness, more families than ever rely on these types of facilities to provide a home and care for their family members.

The Illinois Nursing Home Care Act, along with similar federal laws regulating nursing homes (42 CFR 483), provides fundamental protections that ensure residents are attentively treated with the dignity and respect that we would all want our family members and loved ones to be shown. The ultimate goal of these laws it so prevent residents from becoming victims of harmful abuse or neglect while living and receiving assistance in a long-term care facility. If you, or a family member, are a resident of a long-term care facility is it important that you know all of your rights. While some of the duties of intermediate and long-term care facilities are fairly obvious you may not be aware of all of your basic rights. If your family member or loved one has been denied any of these rights while residing in an Illinois nursing home or long-term care facility you may have a legal claim against the facility. The attorneys of Keating Law Offices have successfully helped victims of nursing home abuse and neglect. We have the experience to help you if you too have been harmed while residing in a long-term care facility. 

5 Rights of Residents of Illinois Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care Facilities
1. Freedom from all types of abuse and neglect, including any type of physical, mental or emotional harm.
2. Protection from abuse or harm committed by fellow residents.
3. Timely medical treatment and hygienic care, including any necessary follow-up care.
4. A safe environment free from dangerous physical conditions or obstacles.
5. Access to daily activities - it is against the law for residents to be kept isolated without cause.

If you have a question about this post, or any other issue related to Illinois personal injury law, please contact Illinois Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney Mike Keating. You can contact Mike by calling 312-208-7702 or emailing MKeating@KeatingLegal.com, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All phone calls and emails are returned promptly. All initial consultations are free and confidential.