State and local law enforcement made three arrests after raiding a South Side nursing home in search of wanted criminals on Tuesday, the Chicago Breaking News Center reported.
As we reported recently on our Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer blog, officials are moving to correct issues of Chicago nursing home abuse and neglect after a series of reports detailing instances of assault, rape and other abuse by mentally ill patients and convicted felons, who are either living or working in area nursing homes.
State Attorney General Lisa Madigan led the raid on Presidential Pavilion, 8001 S. Western Ave., as part of a series of unannounced visits and safety checks being conducted at nursing facilities that house convicted felons.
The home was the 10th facility to be checked; 14 warrants were issued to wanted felons — the largest number issued at any Illinois facility. The state reports 20 residents were living at the home with a total of 950 arrests and 399 convictions.
Authorities issued a total of 54 warrants in the other nine facilities and arrested 14 people.
“We’re going to continue with these unannounced compliance checks in nursing homes throughout the state,” Madigan told the media during an interview outside the building. “Nursing home operators I’m sure at this point are on red alert that we could be showing up any morning.”
The home’s owners control 28 nursing facilities in Illinois and Florida. An attorney for the owners defended them, saying he was unaware of any complaints of abuse or neglect of the home’s residents.
Meanwhile, lawmakers continue to draft legislation to improve Illinois nursing home care. Gov. Pat Quinn’s Nursing Home Task Force has made 38 recommendations for overhauling the state’s troubled long-term-care program. Currently, Illinois nursing homes house 3,000 residents with felony records, including younger psychiatric patients.
If you are concerned about the conditions of a Chicago-area nursing home or are dealing with a suspected case of neglect or abuse in an Illinois nursing home, contact Abels & Annes for a free and confidential appointment to discuss your rights. Call (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.