Nursing Home Neglect Linked to Understaffing

Nursing home neglect is often caused by chronic understaffing. When a facility fails to hire enough caregivers, residents’ basic needs, such as meals, medications, and hygiene, are not met. Across Chicago and Illinois, residents are suffering preventable injuries, illnesses, and emotional trauma; in fact, understaffing is the most significant cause of death and injury. This blog explains how understaffing leads to neglect, identifies key warning signs, and outlines steps families can take to hold negligent facilities accountable.

Why Are Illinois Nursing Home Violations on the Rise?

The increase is likely due to chronic understaffing and profit-driven management decisions. When there aren’t enough nurses or aides on duty corners must be cut, and residents are left waiting for care, leading to preventable neglect.

How Severe Has the Nursing Home Crisis Become in Illinois?

In the first quarter of 2025, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) issued fines and initiated action against over 210 facilities for violations of the Nursing Home Care Act, including four Type ‘AA’ citations (which are cases where facility failures directly caused resident deaths). In 2023, state and federal surveys in Illinois identified a high volume of serious nursing home deficiencies, totaling over 950, followed by a similar trend in 2024. Illinois consistently ranks among the top states nationally for the highest dollar amount of nursing home fines, often totaling tens of millions of dollars. For example, reports indicate total penalties have surpassed $114 million since 2018.

What Is Nursing Home Neglect, and Who Is Most at Risk?

Nursing home neglect occurs when facilities fail to meet residents’ safety, medical, nutritional, or hygiene needs. This could be through carelessness or deliberate cost-cutting. Those most vulnerable are:

• Residents with dementia, 
• Those with limited mobility,
• Those who have communication challenges, 
• Or those who are unable to advocate for themselves.

National studies estimate that 1 in 10 adults over 60 has suffered elder abuse, and up to 95% of nursing home residents report having witnessed or experienced neglect.

How Does Staff Shortage Create Neglect in Chicago Nursing Homes?

Understaffing means less help for your loved one, but it also causes burnout among remaining employees, who are often forced to work double shifts under impossible conditions. A tired, overworked nurse cannot safely care for ten or more residents at once, but this environment may be normalized by higher-ups or fellow staff. 

If your loved one’s facility feels chaotic, understaffed, or dismissive of your concerns, it may not be safe. In this case, you should keep notes of any incidents you notice, like staff changes or patients left alone. 

What Signs Suggest a Loved One Is Being Neglected?

Warning signs of neglect include: 

• Unexplained bruises, 
• Bedsores, 
• Infections, 
• Rapid weight loss, 
• Dehydration, 
• Emotional withdrawal. 

If your loved one was once social but now seems fearful or distant, this could also be a sign of neglect. You should watch out for poor facility conditions, such as dirty rooms, unwashed bedsheets, or even excuses about why the staff is “short today.” 

If you notice these signs, take photos, write down your observations with a date and time, and contact a facility administrator and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to start an investigation.

Which Illinois Nursing Homes Are Repeatedly Cited for Neglect?

Several facilities across Chicago and Illinois have faced repeated IDPH citations for understaffing and unsafe care. You can access public inspection reports through the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Nursing Home Report Card, which is an online database that lists every licensed facility’s violations, fines, and staffing history. Visit the site, then search by facility name, city, or ZIP code to compare care ratings before choosing a home for your loved one.

If you haven’t done so already, check your loved one’s facility’s citation history today to see what reports have been submitted and whether the care has truly improved.

What Types of Abuse and Neglect Are Most Common in Illinois Nursing Homes?

Illinois facilities most frequently report:

• Physical neglect, such as a lack of assistance or untreated injuries
• Emotional abuse through isolation, threats, or humiliation
• Medication errors and inadequate supervision
• Financial exploitation or misuse of restraints

A recent study found that 44% of residents reported abuse, and over 64% of staff admitted to participating in or witnessing neglect within the past year. For more information on the most common types of neglect in nursing homes, you can read our blog. 

Why Are So Many Cases Unreported or Unpunished?

Despite federal and state reporting requirements, only 1 in 14 incidents of abuse or neglect are formally reported. Advocacy groups believe the real number may be closer to 1 in 24. Residents fear they may face retaliation, but sometimes cognitive decline and lack of family oversight are part of the problem. When families visit their loved ones often and maintain open communication, they can catch early warning signs and intervene more readily. 

What Legal Options Do Victims and Families Have in Illinois?

Illinois law gives plenty of options for families. Families can:

• File a complaint with the IDPH, prompting an investigation and possible fines
• Pursue civil action for compensation related to medical costs, pain, and suffering
• Seek punitive damages when neglect is deliberate or repeated

The Law Offices of David H. Brinton, LLC, assists families throughout Chicago and its surrounding counties in investigating misconduct, securing evidence, and holding negligent facilities accountable.

Why Does Understaffing Persist Despite Repeated Fines?

Many Illinois nursing homes are owned by private investment groups that prioritize profit margins over staffing quality. From their point of view, hiring fewer nurses makes them more money. Even when staff are hired, they are paid low wages for the high stress they are expected to endure. This leads to high turnover and makes it challenging for homes to maintain consistent staff.

Unfortunately, some facilities will even manipulate staffing data by counting administrators or part-time workers toward care hours. This is why it’s important for families and residents to report neglect or understaffing for investigation. 

How Can Families Choose a Safe, Well-Staffed Facility?

Before admitting a loved one, research is essential. Families should:

• Visit at different times of day to observe staff responsiveness
• Ask for the staff-to-resident ratio and turnover rate
• Check Medicare’s Care Compare for quality ratings and inspection results
• Speak to current residents and families about their experience

What Steps Should Families Take If Neglect Is Suspected?

If you suspect neglect or understaffing in your loved one’s nursing home, there are several steps you need to take. First, always document everything. Make sure every interaction or suspicion is documented with the date, time, names, and photos, if needed. Request medical evaluations and your loved one’s files. Then contact the IDPH to file a formal complaint. 

Once this is completed, speak with an experienced Chicago nursing home neglect attorney who can help you gather records, witness statements, and facility reports.

How Can an Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Help You? 

If you suspect your loved one’s rights are being violated in their nursing home, an attorney can help protect them and ensure they receive justice. A lawyer can investigate the situation, collect evidence, file lawsuits against the responsible parties, and negotiate with insurance companies to secure compensation for any medical expenses or pain and suffering endured by your loved one. In some cases, an attorney may even be able to hold abusers criminally responsible for their actions. In any case, a lawyer can provide important legal guidance and protect your loved one’s rights during this difficult time. 

By seeking the help of an experienced attorney, you can help put a stop to nursing home abuse and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. It is important that we all take a stand to protect our elderly loved ones and help ensure they are living in an environment of safety and respect.

If you or someone you love has been affected by nursing home abuse, please contact the Law Offices of David H. Brinton, LLC. You can call 312.445.4908 or contact us to set up your free consultation.