How to File a Complaint Against a Nursing Home in Illinois
Protecting Chicago Families From Abuse and Neglect Starts With Action
When your loved one enters a nursing home, you expect them to be cared for with compassion and dignity. But when you suspect neglect or abuse, it's not always clear what to do next or who to turn to. Filing a complaint against a nursing home can feel overwhelming, especially when you're dealing with fear, anger, or confusion about your loved one’s condition.
At Ferrell Young, LLC, our lawyers help Chicago families take action when nursing homes violate their legal responsibilities. If you're wondering how to report a nursing home in Illinois for neglect or abuse, here’s what you need to know and how our nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers can help.
FAQs About Nursing Home Complaints in Illinois
- What Qualifies as a Valid Complaint Against a Nursing Home?
- How Do You Report a Nursing Home for Neglect in Illinois?
- What Happens After You File a Complaint?
- Can You File a Lawsuit and a Complaint at the Same Time?
- What Is the Role of the Department of Health in Nursing Home Complaints?
- What Are the Warning Signs That You Should File a Complaint?
- How Long Does It Take to Investigate a Nursing Home Complaint?
- Can a Nursing Home Retaliate Against a Resident for Filing a Complaint?
- What If the Nursing Home Complaint Is Ignored?
What Qualifies as a Valid Complaint Against a Nursing Home?
Not all complaints are created equal, and many families aren’t sure whether what they’re seeing rises to the level of a reportable issue. But you should never second-guess your instincts. If something feels wrong, it’s worth investigating. Common reasons to file a complaint include:
- Neglect of Basic Needs: Bedsores, dehydration, malnutrition, poor hygiene, or missed medications.
- Physical Abuse: Unexplained bruises, fractures, restraint injuries, or sudden fearfulness.
- Emotional Abuse: Verbal threats, intimidation, isolation, or drastic personality changes.
- Sexual Abuse: Unexplained infections, torn clothing, or withdrawn behavior.
- Unsafe Conditions: Unsanitary rooms, inadequate supervision, broken equipment, or dangerous staffing levels.
- Medical Mismanagement: Failure to treat infections, incorrect dosages, or refusal to transport to hospitals.
If any of these apply—or if you’re simply concerned—filing a formal complaint can help protect your loved one and others in the facility.
How Do You Report a Nursing Home for Neglect in Illinois?
In Illinois, the main agency responsible for investigating nursing home complaints is the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). You can submit a complaint using one of the following methods:
- Phone: Call the IDPH 24/7 Nursing Home Hotline at 1-800-252-4343 (TTY: 1-800-547-0466)
- Online: Submit a complaint form at dph.illinois.gov
- Mail or Fax: Download and send a completed complaint form to:
Illinois Department of Public Health
Office of Health Care Regulation
Central Complaint Registry
525 W. Jefferson St., Ground Floor
Springfield, IL 62761
Fax: 217-524-8885
When filing, include as many details as possible: your loved one’s name, the facility name and address, a description of the issue, and dates or times of concern. You can choose to file anonymously, though providing your name can help with follow-up.
What Happens After You File a Complaint?
Once a complaint is filed, the IDPH will review the information to determine whether an investigation is warranted. If so, a state surveyor may visit the facility, often unannounced, to assess the situation, interview staff and residents, and review records. This process is designed to protect your identity whenever possible.
If the investigation finds violations of federal or state laws, the nursing home could face penalties, including citations, fines, or even license suspension. In serious cases, evidence from the complaint investigation may also support a civil lawsuit.
Can You File a Lawsuit and a Complaint at the Same Time?
Yes—and in many cases, you should. Filing a complaint alerts regulatory agencies to problems and can help bring about immediate action, but it doesn’t provide financial compensation for your loved one’s injuries or suffering. A civil lawsuit does.
That’s why it’s so important to speak with a Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer if you suspect mistreatment. Our attorneys can help you:
- Understand whether your loved one’s rights were violated
- Investigate the nursing home’s track record and staffing practices
- Preserve medical records and witness testimony
- File both complaints and injury claims on your family’s behalf
At Ferrell Young, LLC, we often work alongside the families who report issues to the state—and we move quickly to protect evidence, document injuries, and pursue full accountability.
What Is the Role of the Department of Health in Nursing Home Complaints?
The Illinois Department of Public Health is tasked with enforcing the Nursing Home Care Act, a law designed to protect residents from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The department licenses and inspects facilities, conducts investigations, and maintains a complaint registry.
But while the IDPH plays an important role, it’s not always enough. Investigations can take time, and many families report feeling frustrated by the limited scope or delayed timelines. That’s why legal action driven by a dedicated nursing home abuse attorney can make a critical difference in getting the answers and results your family needs.
What Are the Warning Signs That You Should File a Complaint?
Some signs are obvious. Others are subtle but just as dangerous. If you notice any of the following, it's time to take a closer look and potentially file a complaint:
- Sudden Physical Decline: Falls, injuries, or unexplained weight loss.
- Behavioral Changes: Withdrawal, agitation, fear, or signs of depression.
- Poor Cleanliness: Soiled clothes or bedding, odor, or unclean living areas.
- Communication Barriers: Staff refusing to answer questions or limiting your access.
- Visible Staff Shortages: Frequent confusion, missed medications, or lack of supervision.
- Pressure Injuries: Bedsores on the back, hips, heels, or shoulders.
You do not need definitive proof to file a complaint. The Department of Health is required to investigate any credible concern about resident safety.
How Long Does It Take to Investigate a Nursing Home Complaint?
Timelines vary depending on the severity of the complaint. For urgent issues—like abuse, neglect, or unsafe conditions—the state typically investigates within 24–48 hours. Less urgent concerns may take longer.
Still, state investigations can be delayed, and the process doesn't always result in clear answers for families. If you feel the process is taking too long or you aren’t getting the support your loved one needs, legal action may be your best option.
Our attorneys can help monitor the status of a complaint, pursue separate civil claims, and push for accountability on every front.
Can a Nursing Home Retaliate Against a Resident for Filing a Complaint?
Retaliation is illegal. The Nursing Home Care Act explicitly prohibits any nursing home from discharging, transferring, harassing, or punishing a resident or their family because of a filed complaint. If your loved one experiences retaliation, it’s critical to act immediately.
Legal consequences for retaliation can include:
- Facility fines or license suspension
- Court-ordered compensation for the victim
- Additional state or federal oversight
If you believe retaliation has occurred, call our law firm right away. We’ll take swift legal action to protect your loved one’s rights and safety.
What If the Nursing Home Complaint Is Ignored?
If you’ve filed a complaint and no meaningful action is taken, or if your loved one is still in danger, you have options. Our attorneys can escalate the situation by:
- Filing an emergency court motion to remove the resident from the facility
- Requesting an independent investigation
- Pursuing a personal injury lawsuit for neglect or abuse
- Seeking punitive damages in cases of gross misconduct
Time is often critical. Don’t wait for the system to catch up while your loved one suffers. We can help you move fast and take control of the situation.
Take Action Today to Protect Your Loved One
Nursing homes that neglect or abuse their residents must be held accountable. If you're ready to report a facility, file a lawsuit, or explore your legal options, the attorneys at Ferrell Young, LLC are here to help.
We represent families across Chicago and throughout Illinois in tough, emotional nursing home cases, and we know how to fight back when facilities try to avoid responsibility. Let us investigate what happened, demand answers, and pursue the justice your loved one deserves.
Contact us now for a free consultation with a Chicago nursing home abuse lawyer. We’re ready to stand up for your family.