Elder Law

Wanted Criminals Found in Illinois Nursing Home

By Levin & Perconti

Another Illinois nursing home was randomly checked this week to determine its compliance with state nursing home laws, reports the Peoria Journal Star. However, what inspectors found was five residents wanted for crimes on outstanding warrants when thy investigated the Sharon Health Care Willows facility in Peoria.

This was the 13th unannounced check of Illinois nursing homes under a program started by Attorney General Lisa Madigan last year. In each and every check, authorities discovered that the nursing homes checked were unknowingly and illegally housing individuals wanted for a wide range of crimes.

Nursing homes are required to perform background checks on everyone at the facility, both residents and staff members. As the Attorney General explained, ?When we are in the position of putting our grandparents into a nursing home, we want to know they will be safe.?

Elder abuse occurs often when another resident or staff member with a record of violent or harmful actions is allowed the opportunity to take advantage of vulnerable residents at our nursing homes. Ensuring that no violent individuals are living and working with our loved ones in these homes is one of the most basic requirements of any long-term health care facility.

Our Chicago nursing home attorneys at Levin & Perconti support these compliance checks by the Attorney Generals? office. The inspections initially began as a way to check code violations. However, the focus shifted when the inspections revealed that many felons were using the homes to hide from their warrants.

Many of the tragedies that have befallen our clients could have been avoided if only the nursing home administration would have conducted proper checks on negligent staff members and abusive residents. The quality of care at all medical facilities is only as good as the individuals who provide it. If you suspect that the quality at a nearby home has fallen below proper standards, contact a nursing home lawyer today. You could also contact the Attorney General?s tip line if you believe a particular home may be in need of a random compliance check. The tip line number is 312-814-8376.

Full post as published by Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Blog on July 10, 2010 (boomark / email).