The true cost of neglect in nursing homes extends far beyond a few bumps and bruises, or minor bedsores. For many disabled and elderly residents, neglect is a slow, silent killer, robbing them of their health, dignity, and in far too many cases, their lives.
Families trust nursing homes to provide a high standard of care to their vulnerable loved ones. Sadly, thousands of residents suffer in silence, ignored by overworked staff and forgotten by a system that prioritizes profit over people.
In Illinois and across the country, nursing home neglect is alarmingly common—and disturbingly underreported. From untreated infections and malnutrition to psychological trauma and wrongful death, the harm is real and far-reaching.
At Lloyd Miller Law in Chicago, we’ve created this guide to walk you through the warning signs of nursing home neglect, the legal protections available, and the steps families like you can take when something feels wrong.
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Nursing Home Neglect Statistics
Nursing home neglect continues to plague facilities across the United States. While some states have improved oversight, neglect remains widespread and vastly underreported. Many residents are simply unable to speak up, while others are too afraid of retaliation.
- A 2025 meta-analysis found that 12% of nursing home residents in the U.S. reported experiencing neglect, while 12% of staff admitted to neglecting residents.
- Alarmingly, 64.2% of long-term care staff admitted to committing some form of abuse—emotional, physical, or neglect—within the prior year.
- Only 1 in 14 nursing home abuse or neglect incidents are formally reported. Some advocacy groups estimate the true figure may be closer to 1 in 24.
Illinois-Specific Data
- In 2023, Illinois nursing homes were cited for 959 serious care-related deficiencies.
- In the first half of 2024 alone, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) recorded 515 additional serious violations.
- Illinois nursing homes rank among the worst in the U.S. for the severity and frequency of care-related citations.
These aren’t just numbers. They reflect real human suffering and thousands of lives at risk.
How Neglect Impacts Nursing Home Residents Day-to-Day
Neglect in nursing homes doesn’t always leave obvious signs. Often, it manifests gradually—through declining hygiene, worsening health conditions, and noticeable changes in mood or behavior.
Residents who are ignored may go days without properly bathing or even changing into clean clothes. Over time, this leads to visible dirt, body odor, or skin infections. Unfortunately, the damage doesn’t stop there.
From a medical standpoint, lack of proper care can have dire consequences.
- Bedsores, for example, are a common result of immobility. Without regular turning and monitoring, these wounds can become infected—sometimes fatally.
- Dehydration and malnutrition are also frequent red flags. When staff fail to provide proper food and fluid intake, residents can rapidly decline.
- Add to that untreated infections, worsening chronic illnesses, and poor oral hygiene, and you have a recipe for serious harm.
Then there’s the emotional toll. Residents who are consistently ignored may become withdrawn or depressed. Some exhibit signs of anxiety or PTSD. Others lose interest in activities, stop eating, or even cease speaking altogether. These are quality-of-life concerns that affect every aspect of a resident’s wellbeing.
Common Forms of Nursing Home Neglect
Neglect can take many forms, but it often boils down to one thing: staff not meeting the basic needs of those in their care. This might include:
- failing to provide proper nutrition
- skipping regular hygiene routines
- delaying important medical care
For residents who are bedridden or have limited mobility, the consequences can escalate quickly if they’re not turned, repositioned, or assisted regularly.
While all residents are at risk, those with cognitive impairments or communication challenges are particularly vulnerable. They often can’t articulate what’s happening or ask for help, which means neglect can go unnoticed for far too long.
Understaffing in Nursing Homes: The Root of the Problem
The lack of staffing in elder care facilities plays a significant role in rates of abuse and neglect. When a facility doesn’t employ enough qualified caregivers, even well-meaning staff can’t keep up with residents’ needs. Basic tasks, like helping someone use the bathroom, ensuring medications are taken on time, or even offering companionship, get rushed or skipped entirely.
These staffing shortages are a systemic failure that puts residents at risk. Unfortunately, the problem is only getting worse. Turnover rates in the industry remain high, and low wages often lead to inexperienced or undertrained staff getting hired to fill gaps.
Inadequate Training and Oversight
When staff aren’t properly trained, mistakes happen. Residents with dementia may be misunderstood or mishandled, medical signs can be missed, and poor communication between caregivers leads to lapses in care.
Illinois law attempts to address this through the Nursing Home Care Act, which requires annual staff training and ongoing education. However, in practice, enforcement is uneven, and some facilities cut corners to protect profits.
What the Law Requires, and What Families Should Expect
Thanks to laws like the Illinois Elder Abuse and Neglect Act and the Nursing Home Care Act, there are protections in place. Caregivers are legally required to report suspected abuse or neglect. Facilities must provide a certain level of care, document services, and allow for unannounced inspections by the IDPH.
Despite these safeguards, abuse and neglect still occur. That’s why families need to stay vigilant—and know their rights. If you suspect something is wrong, you have options. Start by documenting everything, asking for medical records, and contacting the IDPH or an experienced elder abuse attorney.
The Hidden Price of Neglect
The consequences of neglect aren’t just physical. They can be deeply psychological and even financial. When residents feel ignored or dehumanized, they may experience a profound sense of loss of dignity, identity, and self-worth.
Families, too, carry the burden. In some cases, they must pay out-of-pocket for additional care their loved one didn’t receive. Others face expensive hospitalizations that could have been avoided if basic care had been provided. In extreme cases, families are left to cope with the aftermath of preventable deaths.
Signs of Nursing Home Neglect to Watch For, and When to Take Action
If your loved one shows signs of sudden weight loss, untreated injuries, poor hygiene, or emotional withdrawal, don’t ignore it. These could be signals that they’re being neglected. Trust your instincts.
Working with our qualified nursing home abuse attorneys can help you uncover what’s really happening behind the scenes. We can assist in gathering documentation, reporting violations, and—if needed—pursuing legal action to hold the facility accountable.
Call Lloyd Miller Law for Help Today
If you suspect that your loved one is experiencing neglect in a long-term care facility in Chicago or a surrounding community, contact Lloyd Miller Law today. We’ve helped countless families fight for justice and ensure their loved ones receive the respect and care they deserve.
The consultation is free, and your action could prevent someone else from suffering in silence.
