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Complications of Immobility in Nursing Homes
When nursing home staff fail to provide adequate care to residents who are bedridden or have limited mobility, the consequences can be devastating. From painful pressure ulcers to life-threatening infections, immobility-related complications are a serious form of neglect that must not be ignored. At John J. Malm & Associates, we represent victims of nursing home neglect and abuse across Illinois, including those harmed by complications due to immobility. If your loved one has suffered due to inadequate care in a nursing facility, it’s important to understand their rights under Illinois law.
What Is Immobility in a Nursing Home Setting?
Immobility refers to a resident’s limited or total inability to move independently. This may result from conditions such as:
- Stroke
- Advanced dementia
- Parkinson’s disease
- Recent surgery
- Fractures or falls
- Severe arthritis or joint disease
In nursing homes, it’s the facility’s responsibility to monitor residents with mobility limitations and implement appropriate care plans. Failure to do so can result in serious complications that are not only preventable but also potentially fatal.
Illinois Statistics on Nursing Home Neglect and Immobility
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH):
- Over 100 complaints of pressure ulcers are investigated each year in Illinois nursing homes.
- In 2023, IDPH cited dozens of nursing homes for failing to prevent or treat immobility-related conditions.
- Immobility was a contributing factor in more than 15% of nursing home wrongful death lawsuits filed in Cook and DuPage Counties in the last five years.
These statistics reveal a troubling trend: nursing homes often fail to meet basic standards of care, especially when it comes to residents who cannot speak or move for themselves.
Common Complications of Immobility
When a resident is left in one position for extended periods, their health can deteriorate rapidly. Below are some of the most common and dangerous complications that arise from immobility:
1. Pressure Ulcers (Bedsores)
According to the CDC, about 11% of nursing home residents have pressure ulcers at any given time. These wounds, caused by prolonged pressure on the skin, typically develop on the hips, heels, tailbone, or elbows.
Complications from pressure sores can include:
- Open wounds and infections
- Cellulitis
- Sepsis
- Amputation in severe cases
2. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Lack of movement can cause blood clots to form in the deep veins, typically in the legs. If a clot travels to the lungs, it can result in a pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal. DVT prevention protocols include regular repositioning, mobility exercises, and compression stockings.
3. Pneumonia
Immobile residents are at higher risk of developing hypostatic pneumonia, a condition where fluid collects in the lungs due to inactivity. Reports show that pneumonia remains one of the leading causes of death in nursing home residents.
4. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Immobility often leads to the use of catheters, which increases the risk of UTIs. Left untreated, UTIs can cause confusion, fever, and sepsis in elderly residents.
5. Muscle Atrophy and Joint Contractures
Without movement, muscles weaken and joints can become frozen or fixed in place. Over time, this can make even assisted mobility impossible.
6. Depression and Isolation
Physical immobility often leads to emotional distress. Residents who are unable to engage with others or participate in activities are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and cognitive decline.
Why Do These Complications Occur?
Complications from immobility in nursing homes are often the result of negligence. Some common causes include:
- Inadequate staffing levels
- Poorly trained staff
- Failure to implement care plans
- Infrequent repositioning of residents
- Lack of physical therapy services
- Ignoring residents’ complaints of pain or discomfort
The Illinois Nursing Home Care Act (210 ILCS 45/) requires facilities to provide proper care and maintain the highest possible physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of residents. When a facility fails to meet this standard, it may be held liable for neglect.
Legal Implications of Immobility-Related Neglect
When immobility-related complications arise, they are often preventable with proper care. Illinois law allows victims (or their families) to file a claim for:
- Medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Wrongful death (if the complications prove fatal)
Under the Illinois Survival Act (755 ILCS 5/27-6) and the Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/), families may recover compensation for their loss when nursing home neglect results in a resident’s death.
How to Recognize Signs of Neglect in Immobile Residents
Family members should be alert for signs that their loved one may not be receiving proper care. Watch for:
- Unexplained weight loss or malnutrition
- Bedsores or skin breakdown
- Sudden changes in mood or cognition
- Unexplained infections
- Soiled bedding or lack of hygiene
- Dehydration or dry mouth
What Nursing Homes Should Be Doing to Prevent Immobility-Related Injuries
To prevent complications from immobility, nursing homes are expected to follow a comprehensive care plan, including:
- Repositioning residents at least every two hours
- Providing mobility assistance (walkers, lifts, or staff support)
- Offering physical therapy or range-of-motion exercises
- Monitoring nutrition and hydration
- Maintaining skin integrity
- Preventing falls and injuries
Facilities that fail to follow these steps may be guilty of neglect.
How John J. Malm & Associates Can Help Neglected Nursing Home Residents
If your loved one has suffered from complications due to immobility, our team at John J. Malm & Associates is here to help. We thoroughly investigate claims of neglect and work with top medical experts to determine whether your loved one received the care they deserved.
“Too often, nursing home residents with limited mobility are forgotten, left in beds or wheelchairs for hours without attention. This is unacceptable. Families trust facilities to provide care, not neglect. We are committed to holding negligent nursing homes accountable.” — John J. Malm, Naperville nursing home neglect lawyer
What to Do If You Suspect Nursing Home Resident Neglect
If you believe a loved one is suffering due to immobility-related neglect:
- Document everything: Take photos of visible injuries like bedsores.
- Request medical records: Ask for skin assessments, progress notes, and incident reports.
- File a complaint with IDPH: File a complaint online or call their Nursing Home Hotline.
- Consult an experienced Illinois nursing home attorney: Early legal intervention can protect your loved one and preserve evidence.
Preventing Immobility Complications: A Shared Responsibility
While nursing homes bear legal responsibility for proper care, family members can play a vital role in prevention. Visiting regularly, asking questions, and advocating for physical therapy can make a big difference. However, even the most involved family members cannot prevent neglect on their own, facilities must uphold their duty of care.
Contact the Award-Winning Illinois Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates
Immobility in nursing homes is not just a medical issue, it’s a legal and ethical one. When nursing facilities fail to prevent the well-known complications of immobility, they endanger the most vulnerable residents. At John J. Malm & Associates, we believe in standing up for families and demanding justice when neglect occurs.
If your loved one has suffered from pressure ulcers, infections, or other immobility-related injuries, don’t wait to take action. Contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to investigate your claim, explain your legal rights, and pursue the compensation your family deserves.