There is no greater responsibility we have than to ensure that our elderly family members are well cared for as they enjoy the most appreciated years of their lives. Our elderly family members worked so hard and have sacrificed so much to care for and provide for their families. We owe our elderly family members no less. When the time comes to place our elderly family members in a nursing home we fully expect that they will be properly treated and cared for. As children
of the elderly, we cannot accept and will not tolerate abuse and neglect.

As the population of elderly in Illinois rises, the number of people being placed in the care of nursing homes and assisted living facilities continue to increase, and unfortunately, so to does the number of nursing home abuse and neglect cases. Many of the cases of elder care abuse and neglect go unnoticed or ignored because nursing home care takers often cover up these abuses. If you feel that your loved one has been a victim of abuse or neglect while in the care of a nursing home, you need the experienced assistance of a nursing home abuse attorney. The laws and issues involved are complex. Moreover, due the age and mental health of the victim, the evidence of abuse may be difficult to uncover. Over the years I have represented victims of nursing home abuse and neglect and I am proud of the work I’ve done on behalf of the elderly.

Did you know that according to The National Center on Elder Abuse in the United States, more than 30 percent of all nursing homes in America commit some form of resident abuse? Over 50 percent of nursing homes are under-staffed leading to injuries and abuse due to negligent supervision.

Nursing home abuse can be both physical and mental and caused by:

     Unqualified and poorly trained staff members

     Violent history of caregivers

     Isolation of nursing home residents

     Improper nursing supervision

Nursing home residents have legal rights, including the right to:

     Receive Medicare benefits and the right to not be evicted for the same

     Select their personal physician

     Refuse treatment

     To be protected from physical, mental and sexual abuse

     Not to be unnecessarily tied down or restrained

     To be visited by loved ones, friends, physicians, and other important state and federal
     government representatives

     Confidentiality of their medical, psychological and personal records and files

     To receive a 30 day notice of discharge or transfer and the right to appeal against such decisions.

Zachary K. Sims is experienced in handling nursing home abuse cases. If you feel your elderly family member has suffered abuse and/or neglect, please call my office at (847) 486-9295 for a free consultation. I work on a contingency fee basis which means that you do not pay me anything unless I make a successful recovery. With more than 11 years experience, I will work hard to help ensure the elderly who are victims of nursing home abuse and neglect receive the justice they deserve.