By Angela Hatton
Springfield, IL – An Illinois task force plans to recommend increased staffing levels in Illinois nursing homes and more nursing home inspectors with training in mental health. The group is addressing a pattern of assaults, rapes, and murders by mentally ill residents in nursing homes. Its preliminary report recommends more Illinois State Police site visits and more supportive housing for the mentally ill. The group will make a final report to Governor Pat Quinn by the end of this month. Illinois ranks highest in the nation in the number of mentally ill adults under age 65 living in nursing homes.