Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLCMark L. Karno & Associates, LLC2024-03-25T21:24:54Zhttps://www.karnolaw.com/feed/atom/WordPress/wp-content/uploads/sites/1203830/2021/01/favicon-1.pngOn Behalf of Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLChttps://www.karnolaw.com/?p=2555072024-01-04T18:16:50Z2024-01-04T18:16:50Z1. Decreased personal interaction
One evident sign of a caregiver feeling overwhelmed is a decrease in personal interaction with the residents. Caregivers who are emotionally drained may withdraw from engaging, resulting in a decline in the quality and quantity of conversations. This change in behavior can adversely impact the emotional and mental health of the residents, leading to feelings of isolation and neglect.
2. Physical signs of stress
Stress can manifest physically. Overly stressed caregivers may exhibit signs such as fatigue, irritability or even physical discomfort. Frequent sighs, tense body language or a perpetual frown may indicate that the caregiver is struggling to cope with the demands of the job.
3. Inconsistent care practices
Overwhelmed caregivers may struggle to maintain consistent care practices for residents. Red flags include changes in routines, missed medications or neglect of personal hygiene tasks.
Consistency in care is important for the well-being of residents, and deviations from established routines may indicate a caregiver is struggling to manage their responsibilities effectively.
4. Increased turnover
In Chicago, about 13.3% of the population is 65 or older. Many of these seniors live in assisted living facilities or nursing homes where turnover can be high.
When overwhelmed, caregivers may find it challenging to sustain their commitment to the job, leading to a revolving door of staff. Constant changes in personnel can disrupt the establishment of meaningful connections between caregivers and residents, impacting the overall quality of care.
5. Emotional exhaustion
Emotional exhaustion is a sign of caregiver overwhelm. This may manifest as a lack of empathy, patience or understanding toward the residents. Caregivers experiencing emotional exhaustion may struggle to manage their emotions, potentially leading to instances of frustration or even verbal outbursts.
Understanding and identifying signs of overwhelmed caregivers in your parents' nursing home is important for ensuring the best possible care.]]>On Behalf of Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLChttps://www.karnolaw.com/?p=2554822024-01-03T22:15:19Z2023-11-22T01:46:10ZIllinois Department of Public Health, received the highest fines between April and June of 2023.
1. Southpoint Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, Chicago
This facility on the south side of the city was cited for violating two Type A codes and two Type B codes, each fine for which was doubled, resulting in a total fine in the second quarter of 2023 of $54,400.00.
2. Aliya of Homewood
Aliya received a total fine in the second quarter of 2023 of $50,000.00 due to two Type A violations, both of which were doubled.
3. Aperion Care Chicago Heights
The state of Illinois surveyors discovered two Type A violations between April and June 2023 at Aperion Care in Chicago Heights, both of which were doubled. This resulted in a total fine of $50,000.00.
4. BRIA of River Oaks, Burnham
BRIA was fined by the Illinois Department of Public Health $50,000.00 for one Type AA violation, which was doubled.
5. Peterson Park Health Care Center, Chicago
Peterson Park on the north side of Chicago was doubly fined for one Type AA violation resulting in a $50,000.00 fine to the state of Illinois.
Unfortunately, the journey through eldercare in Chicagoland is not always serene. Families need to exercise utmost caution when selecting a residence for their loved ones.]]>On Behalf of Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLChttps://www.karnolaw.com/?p=2554742023-10-05T19:40:53Z2023-10-05T19:40:53ZThe 5 best nursing homes in Chicago
The best nursing homes employ compassionate, well-trained staff who focus on each resident's unique needs and preferences. A clean, safe, and comfortable environment is a must.
North Shore Place. Stands out for its compassionate staff and commitment to excellent care. Your loved one will receive personalized attention and can enjoy a wide range of engaging activities.
Warren Barr South Loop. A clean and well-maintained environment, attentive staff and a host of amenities, including therapy services and recreational programs.
The Admiral at the Lake. Beautiful Lake Michigan views, spacious rooms and a friendly and professional staff.
Smith Village. A comfortable, home-like atmosphere where residents receive individualized care plans from a dedicated staff.
Montgomery Place. A serene setting and a focus on quality of life. The facility offers various services and activities to enhance physical and mental well-being.
Engaging activities and opportunities for social interaction can significantly improve residents' quality of life.
The 5 worst nursing homes in Chicago
Steer clear of nursing homes with a history of neglect, abuse or insufficient staffing. Check for past violations or poor inspection reports.
Golden Acres Nursing Home. Faced complaints about neglect and inadequate staffing, which can jeopardize residents' well-being. The facility also received poor ratings in state inspections.
Wentworth Rehab and Health Care Center. Received citations for medication errors and subpar medical care. There are also inadequate staffing and cleanliness concerns.
Emerald Park Health Care Center. Has a history of violations, particularly of infection control. Residents report subpar food quality and limited recreational activities.
Boulevard Care Center. Faced allegations of neglect and mistreatment due to understaffing and inadequate supervision. Resident safety is sometimes compromised.
Astoria Nursing and Rehab Center. Received poor reviews for inadequate staff training and neglect. Adverse reports include communication issues and substandard care quality.
Be cautious if the facility is not transparent or does not address your concerns promptly.
What to do if you suspect nursing home abuse
If you think your family member is being mistreated in a nursing home, document any concerning incidents, gather evidence and speak with the facility's management. If needed, contact the Illinois Department of Public Health.]]>On Behalf of Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLChttps://www.karnolaw.com/?p=2554502023-08-29T16:06:45Z2023-08-29T16:06:45ZOdd changes in financial stability
This is a more pressing issue than ever since the financial losses from elderly scam victims went up by a shocking 391.9% from 2017 to 2021. One telltale sign of financial elder abuse is a sudden and unexplained change in an older adult's financial situation.
If you notice that your elderly relative's bank accounts, investments or assets suddenly change, it could be an indication of a staff member mismanaging their finances without their consent.
Isolation from family and friends
Another concerning sign is when an older adult becomes increasingly isolated from their family and friends. People who try to scam and abuse elders often try to cut off communication between the victim and their loved ones to maintain control over the situation. If your loved one suddenly stops interacting with people they used to be close to, it is worth investigating further.
Large gifts
Be cautious if your loved one is suddenly giving significant gifts or assets to a staff member, especially if they cannot provide a clear explanation for these actions. Financial abusers often pressure older adults into giving away their assets or changing their wills to benefit them.
Sudden changes in documents
If an older adult's will or power of attorney changes without a reasonable explanation, it could be a bad sign. Financial abusers may use their influence to change legal documents in their favor.
Being aware of these signs of financial abuse is important for protecting your aging relatives. By starting conversations about financial matters, you can work towards preventing elder abuse and ensuring the financial security of your loved ones.]]>On Behalf of Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLChttps://www.karnolaw.com/?p=2554492023-08-28T19:20:30Z2023-08-28T19:20:30ZDefinition of neglect
Neglect refers to the failure of caregivers to provide adequate care, attention and support to residents who rely on their assistance. Nursing homes should provide round-the-clock care and support for elderly individuals who may have various medical conditions, mobility issues or cognitive impairments. Neglect can lead to harm or deterioration in the residents' physical, emotional or mental state.
Types of neglect
Physical neglect involves the failure to meet basic needs, such as food, water, hygiene and medical attention. This includes skipping meals, not helping with personal hygiene routines and not administering prescribed medications on time.
Emotional neglect involves the isolation of residents and lack of support. It occurs when caregivers ignore residents' emotional needs, leading to feelings of loneliness, depression and anxiety.
Medical neglect is failing to address medical needs. Not providing necessary medical treatments, therapies or regular check-ups are all examples.
Personal hygiene neglect occurs when caregivers fail to assist residents with bathing, grooming and toileting. This can result in uncomfortable and unsanitary conditions, potentially leading to health issues.
Neglect in a nursing home setting is a breach of trust and responsibility. Residents and their families place their confidence in these facilities to provide a safe and supportive environment. Detecting neglect can be challenging, but everyone must remain vigilant in recognizing signs and preventing it from happening.]]>On Behalf of Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLChttps://www.karnolaw.com/?p=2554242023-07-10T20:33:10Z2023-07-10T20:33:10ZUnderstanding premises liability claims
Property owners and occupiers often have a legal obligation to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition. They fail to fulfill their duty of care if they create or allow a hazardous condition to exist. If the hazard directly causes an accident and you end up suffering physical, emotional or financial harm, you may have a premises liability claim on your hands.
Pursuing a premises liability claim
If you decide to pursue a premises liability claim, take photographs or videos of the accident scene to highlight any hazardous conditions. If there were any witnesses to the accident, try to obtain their contact information and ask for a written statement detailing what they saw. You should also maintain a detailed record of all expenses related to your injuries.
Keep in mind that Illinois follows the comparative negligence rule, which means that a court may reduce your compensation if they find that you have contributed to the accident in any way. You also must show that the accident was less than 50% your fault in order to get any compensation at all.
Your mindset plays a crucial role in navigating premises liability claims. If you stay proactive, informed and determined throughout the process, you may get the compensation you deserve.]]>On Behalf of Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLChttps://www.karnolaw.com/?p=2551162023-05-27T15:28:15Z2023-05-27T15:28:15ZMove the vehicles away
According to the AARP, getting your car and any other vehicles involved in the crash away from the road is important after checking to make sure everyone's physically alright. Not only can moving the cars away help you and the other driver talk privately, but it can also prevent another accident if they are in the middle of the road.
Make sure to interact politely
Knowing the difference between what you need to talk about and what you should not say is key. When you feel overwhelmed, you may potentially forget to ask about information such as the other driver's home address or policy number.
However, staying safe also includes noticing when a driver is suffering from road rage or could likely harm you. You should always stay on the scene and make sure to not overshare or try to take the blame for the accident in this discussion.
Notice any irregular pains
In some cases, you could fail to notice any signs of injuries until a day or two after the accident. Although you may not immediately go to the hospital on the same day as the crash, you should still visit a doctor at some point.
Noticing these safety steps and following them can help you defend yourself in a terrifying situation. Staying calm and collected can give you the clarity of mind you need at this time.]]>On Behalf of Mark L. Karno & Associates, LLChttps://www.karnolaw.com/?p=2551142023-05-22T19:32:28Z2023-05-22T19:32:28ZHealth effects of unsanitary conditions
Many nursing home residents are older adults or people with health conditions that make them more susceptible to infections. When neglect occurs, residents may not receive care, such as bathing assistance, that helps keep them clean and healthy. Furthermore, inadequate cleaning in resident rooms and public areas can contribute to sanitation problems. Skin conditions, like rashes and cellulitis, as well as infections like UTIs can result from poor hygiene. Lack of sanitation can also contribute to the spread of viral infections that can cause respiratory and digestive illnesses. Finally, living in an unclean environment is uncomfortable and can negatively affect the emotional well-being of residents. Your loved one could feel stressed or anxious due to poor sanitation.
Advocating for nursing home residents
If you notice signs of neglect and poor sanitation impacting your loved one's mental and physical wellness, there are ways you can support them. For example, you can meet with nursing home management to explain your concerns. You can also contact the Illinois Department of Public Health and file a complaint. Collecting evidence including photographs, testimony from residents and written documentation can strengthen your case. If serious harm occurs, you can help your loved one explore legal options, such as seeking compensation for the physical and emotional pain they experienced.
Unsanitary conditions in nursing homes can contribute to distress and health problems in residents.]]>On Behalf of Mark Karnohttps://www.karnolaw.com/?p=2551082023-04-17T19:41:02Z2023-04-11T18:52:01ZDistracted driving
Distracted driving is the most common reason for car crashes. Distracted drivers injure more than 1,000 people every day across America. Officially, this is any activity that distracts you from driving, which goes beyond texting.
Animals
Wild and domestic animals may be on the roadways. This is especially true in more rural areas. While crash reports indicate that you are most likely to damage your vehicle by hitting a deer, you could also do damage by hitting a cow, squirrel, bear, dog or raccoon. These types of accidents cause thousands of injuries every year.
Often, these accidents occur because the animal ran onto the road unexpectedly. They also can occur at night when animals are more difficult to see. Generally, this involves you hitting an animal directly. However, it can also include swerving to avoid the animal and driving into a ditch or another object.
Although you cannot avoid accidents altogether, putting away distractions may help you be safer. In addition, you may have a personal injury claim if the accident is not your fault. In these scenarios, make sure you take action to get the funds you deserve.]]>On Behalf of Mark Karnohttps://www.karnolaw.com/?p=2550652023-03-07T17:39:36Z2023-03-03T20:06:35Zpremises liability case.
Property owner’s responsibility
Local governments created building codes to keep people safe. On stairways, property owners need to have stable handrails at the proper height and width. The stairs also have height and depth requirements. They should also be even throughout. They need to be structurally sound and not leaning or damaged.
Property owners should also make sure their stairs are free from debris. They need to address worn-out carpeting and slippery surfaces. This may require replacing carpets, adding tread or changing the surface of the stairs to improve their safety.
Liability requirements
You may be liable if you do not take care when traversing the stairs. Judges consider your own carelessness and the reasonableness of the fall.
Owners are liable if they or their staff know about the defect and do not fix it, if these individuals caused the damage to the stairs or if they should have known that the surface was unsafe. If a reasonable person would have fixed the damage, a judge may find the property owner at fault.
Stairs are inherently dangerous. This means that you take on some liability when you use them. You may have difficulty proving fault because some dangers are not easily detectable.]]>