Illinois Nursing Home News: In Chicago Federal Judge Hears Testimony Regarding Housing for Mentally Ill Patients
Hundreds gathered in Chicago on Tuesday for a hearing about the way Illinois houses and takes care of thousands of Medicaid recipients. Testimony included arguments for and against a proposed class-action settlement that would give thousands of mentally ill patients the opportunity to move into housing other than traditional nursing homes that may be better suited to their needs. U.S. District Judge William Hart is expected to rule on the state's plan.
The decision to move into these alternative housing situations would be optional. The agreement establishes a timetable for residents to move into smaller homes and apartments, and the state would then give them support services. While the National Alliance on Mental Illness of Illinois and the US Justice Department support the terms of the settlement, some patients' family members are worried that nursing homes might shut down if too many residents end up leaving.
Illinois has depended heavily on nursing home to take care of mentally ill patients, and the class action complaint had accused the state of violating the Americans with Disabilities Act by supporting institutions for mental diseases (they are licensed as nursing homes) while underfunding other housing options. Although State officials deny any such violations, they have agreed to the settlement.
Chicago Nursing Home Negligence
Not only is it important for mentally ill patients to get the proper care that they need, but also, sometimes housing seriously mentally ill residents with other nursing home patients can be harmful to both parties—especially to the latter. Their physical, mental, and/or emotional vulnerabilities can make them easy targets for patient violence, sexual assault, Chicago nursing home neglect, and abuse.
Judge to decide on state plan for mentally ill, ABC Local/AP, September 7, 2010
Hearing set on plan to let mentally ill live alone, Pantagraph.com, September 7, 2010
Illinois to move 4,500 mentally ill from nursing homes to community care setting, Mcknights, March 16, 2010
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Nursing Homes in Illinois
If you suspect that your loved one has been the victim of Chicago nursing home abuse or neglect, contact The Law Offices of Steven J. Malman & Associates, PC today.
