Many families trust nursing homes to care for loved ones who are unable to care for themselves.  While a number of different factors may go into the decision to place a loved one in a nursing home, the desire to get the best possible care and attention for the nursing home resident is practically universal.  Therefore, it often comes as a shock when a nursing home resident is mistreated.

Recently, a male resident of the La Salle County Nursing Home was accused of molesting 10 women, some of whom had dementia and couldn’t speak.  An investigation into the nursing home’s policies, procedures and practices also occurred and that the investigation report detailed systemic problems.  Accordingly, it is reported that the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will be fining the nursing home more than $20,000.  The state could also fine the facility.

While it is hoped that the review and the penalties will ensure future compliance at the nursing home, the penalties do not in any way compensate the 10 victims.  Individual victims have the right to bring individual lawsuits against the nursing home for the sexual abuse they allegedly suffered while in the nursing home’s care.  Illinois personal injury attorneys can help individuals and their families with their legal needs if nursing home abuse has affected personally affected them.