Elder Law

Tragic Stories At Forefront of Illinois Nursing Home Reform

By Levin & Perconti

Lawyers and Settlements published a story last week explaining the recently passed reform measures that will apply to all Illinois nursing homes. The publication particularly focuses on the stories of nursing home abuse and neglect that spurred the new legislation.

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed the reform laws in late July last year. At the signing ceremony he announced that the legislation was a product of a comprehensive examination of problems with nursing home care in the state. A 2009 Nursing Home Safety Task Force took account of the many allegations of abuse at the facilities in the state.

A large component of the new reforms related to the ability of many nursing homes to force residents to live with other residents suspected of having dangerous backgrounds and dispositions. This problem was exposed in large part by efforts from the Attorney General?s office which has conducted surprise raids on facilities looking for residents with outstanding arrest warrants. Many sex offenders and other criminals have been found living in these homes.

As a result, many residents have been victimized by their fellow residents. For example, one schizophrenic woman living at the Monroe Pavilion Health and Treatment Center strangely became pregnant while at the facility. The facility informed the resident?s daughter that the sexual intercourse leading to the pregnancy was consensual. However, the woman?s mental condition is so severe that she is unable to make decisions for herself and therefore unable to consent to sex.

Full post as published by Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Blog on January 10, 2011 (boomark / email).