(Newswire.net — June 25, 2018) — Wentworth Rehab nursing home in the South Side of Chicago, dubbed the “worst nursing home in Chicago,” has been revealed to be a hotbed of neglect and abuse that puts its residents at risk of grave danger and in direct harm. Reports and videos show that dangerous activities such as smoking near oxygen tanks as well as blatant neglect by nurses, persistent roach and insect infestations, medical and hygiene neglect, poor food choices, and staff ignoring basic health and safety standards, all of which seem to be common and chronic problems.
The Wentworth Rehab center is one of over twenty facilities under the auspices of the Alden nursing home chain. Wentworth was slapped with a fine of $181,689, which was eventually lowered to by about eighty thousand dollars, for its poor record and its treatment of residents.
This case demonstrates that while nursing homes are supposed to be facilities where elderly and disabled people can be safe and well cared for, the opposite is too often true. Residents of nursing homes are often vulnerable and isolated and can easily fall victim to neglect or abuse by staff. This is especially true of the residents who are unable to speak up against injustice and advocate for themselves. Warning signs that may indicate mistreatment may easily go unnoticed by family or visitors, and unreported by employees.
Bruising or fractures, scratches or avoidance of physical contact may be symptoms of physical abuse. Bed sores or lack of medical attention may indicate medical neglect, while signs of personal hygiene neglect may encompass an uncared for appearance or soiled clothing. Social, psychological or emotional neglect are also forms of mistreatment and warning signs may include listlessness, depression, non-responsive behavior or anxiousness.
In the most severe cases, abuse and neglect at nursing homes can even lead to wrongful death. It is important to note that even though “nursing homes are considered health care providers, it is not necessary to prove a medical malpractice claim to have a case against a nursing home for negligence or abuse,” explains Illinois personal injury attorney Bogdan Martinovich.
If the rights of residents, which are protected by laws, are violated then the resident, the family or the guardian can bring a case against the facility.