Worst Nursing Homes in Aurora

When an elderly resident moves into a nursing home, they should expect to receive high-quality care in a safe environment. This is not always the case, and many nursing home patients suffer due to poor professional practices and staff negligence. Some of the worst nursing homes in Illinois are located in the city of Aurora and the surrounding area.

In this article, we will explore which nursing facilities have the worst ratings in this region and their issues.

How Nursing Homes Are Rated in Aurora

There are several ways to evaluate the quality of a skilled nursing facility in Aurora, IL, but the primary rating system is through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

This federal government entity created a five-star scoring system for all eligible nursing homes and facilities across the country. Each skilled nursing home receives an overall score based on scores in individual categories like quality measures, health inspection results, and staffing.

You can research a specific nursing home’s rating, past inspections, and violations through the nursing home comparison tool on Medicare.gov. Low ratings often indicate that residents may suffer from abuse or neglect at a particular location. The Illinois nursing homes mentioned below have a one-star or two-star overall rating from CMS (please note, ratings are subject to change).

List of the Worst Aurora Nursing Homes

The Pearl of Orchard Valley – This nursing home is the only facility in Aurora, IL, with a one-star overall rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It has been fined twice in the last three years for a total of $28,977.

The most recent standard inspection resulted in 27 health citations, far exceeding the national average of 9.6. It also has a health inspection rating of two stars, a staffing rating of one star, and a quality measures score of two stars.

Here are some of the specific deficiencies and violations found at this Illinois-based nursing home in recent years:

• A failure to provide care by qualified persons according to each resident’s care plan.
• A failure to develop a complete care plan within seven days of an assessment.
• A failure to provide care and assistance with daily living activities for those who require these services.
• A failure to provide appropriate pressure ulcer care and prevent new sores from developing.

Alden of Waterford – Another nursing home located in Aurora, IL, has a two-star overall rating from CMS. This facility has been issued two federal fines totaling $116,249 in the last three years. Ten complaints in the same timeframe have resulted in health citations against the nursing home. It has a much below-average rating for staffing (one star) to go along with its two-star overall score.

Let’s look at some specific violations found at Alden of Waterford:

• A failure to ensure the nursing home area is free of accident hazards to prioritize safety.
• A failure to provide appropriate treatment and medical care according to the care plans and preferences of Illinois residents.
• A failure to provide care and assistance with daily living activities to those who needed such services.
• A failure to provide appropriate ulcer care and prevent additional bed sores from developing.

Common Deficiencies Found in an Aurora Skilled Nursing Facility

Many skilled nursing home issues are found in institutions nationwide. When researching a particular facility for its rating, remember to look at inspection reports, complaint reports, and past violations to get a sense of how the staff treats the residents. Here are some of the most common deficiencies found in the worst Illinois nursing homes.

Inadequate Staffing Levels

If a long-term care facility has a low ratio of nurses and physicians to patients, those residents are unlikely to receive adequate care. As a result, residents may not receive all the assistance they need. They will also likely monitor the patients less. This could place certain individuals at an increased risk of suffering abuse or neglect.

Negligent Care and Resident Neglect

Negligent care can take many forms. Residents may not receive adequate nutrition or hydration. Poor hygiene and sanitation practices could put the patient’s health at risk. Medication errors, delayed responses to medical needs, and no assistance with daily living activities are also examples of nursing home negligence.

Abuse of Nursing Home Residents

In many cases, residents suffer from physical or emotional harm due to abuse. Physical abuse may involve slapping, kicking, pushing, or improperly using restraints. Mental abuse could include isolation, threats, yelling, and withholding services. Sexual abuse could also occur when a resident is subjected to unwanted touching or sexual behavior.

Failure to Properly Monitor Residents’ Health Conditions

One of the most common issues in a nursing home community is improper monitoring. If the staff is not paying attention to all patients, those residents could suffer from worsening conditions, especially if they have chronic illnesses.

Signs of Abuse and Neglect in Nursing Homes

If you have a loved one in a nursing home community, you may be the first line of defense against abuse or neglect. Let’s look at some of the common signs of mistreatment in Illinois nursing facilities:

• Physical abuse – Bruises, fractures, unexplained injuries
• Neglect – Malnutrition, dehydration, bedsores, poor hygiene
• Emotional abuse – Withdrawal, fear, agitation, behavioral changes
• Financial exploitation – Missing belongings, changes to financial documents
• Sexual abuse – STDs, pain, bleeding

Legal Rights of Nursing Home Residents in Aurora

Families of nursing home residents should understand patient rights in these facilities. State and federal laws, like the Federal Nursing Home Reform Act, protect these rights.

Your loved one has the right to be protected from abuse, the right to a dignified existence, and the right to participate in care planning or refuse treatment.

What to Do if You Suspect Abuse or Neglect in an Aurora Nursing Home

If you suspect your loved one is suffering from abuse or neglect, here are the steps you should take:

• Document your concerns with notes, photos, and videos.
• Report your suspicions to the long-term care facility administrators.
• File a complaint with the Illinois Department of Public Health.
• Contact the Illinois-based ombudsman program.
• Consult an experienced nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer with your family members about a potential lawsuit.

Filing a Lawsuit for Nursing Home Abuse or Neglect in Aurora

A lawsuit against a nursing home is a complex process, so it is important to hire an experienced law firm to guide you. First, the claim will be investigated, and your lawyer will help you gather evidence of wrongdoing. Then, liability for the harm will be determined.

Next, you will file a complaint in court and go through the discovery process. Finally, there will be a settlement negotiation and a trial if necessary.

Compensation in Aurora Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse Cases

Victims of nursing home neglect and their family members can pursue multiple legal damages for compensation. Economic damages include lost income, medical expenses, and therapy bills. Non-economic damages include emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of quality of life.

Why You Need an Experienced Aurora Nursing Home Neglect Attorney

An experienced Aurora nursing home abuse lawyer will make all the difference in the success of your lawsuit. The right team can gather compelling evidence, assess all your damages, negotiate on your behalf, and build a strong case for compensation. Your attorney will level the playing field against the nursing home and its insurance company.

Contact Our Aurora Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers for a Free Consultation

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is committed to supporting victims of nursing home neglect and their family members. Our team is ready to investigate your claim and gather enough evidence to maximize your compensation.

Call us today at 888-424-5757 or complete our online form to request your free case evaluation.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.