Understaffing is a Significant Cause of Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Have you worried that your loved one is not receiving adequate care in the nursing home?  Do you fear that your loved one could be a victim of nursing home abuse? 

Your concerns are justified as nursing home neglect and abuse happens all too often across the United States.  One of the main causes of nursing home abuse and neglect is understaffing of the facilities.  It is estimated that over 50 percent of nursing home facilities in the United States are understaffed.  Lack of the necessary staff can lead to serious abuse and neglect of the residents.

An understaffed nursing home is not able to provide the level of care that your loved one needs.  Workers at these nursing home facilities become overworked and tired, which can lead to impatience and verbal abuse with the residents.  It is not uncommon for an understaffed nursing home to neglect to give residents their medications, which could result in significant health problems.  Residents are overlooked and not provided with the appropriate attention, the attention in which families are paying thousands of dollars.

Malnutrition, dehydration and bed sores are common symptoms of nursing home neglect and abuse.  An understaffed nursing home increases the risk of these conditions.  You can help prevent such abuse and neglect by visiting your loved one often.  While you are at the nursing home facility, look for signs of abuse or neglect.  Does it appear that your loved one is in reasonable health?   Has your loved one mentioned abuse or lack of attention?  You may want to inquire about the current employee to resident ratio.  Since employee turnover can be high, this ratio can change.

If your loved one is the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, contact Weisberg & Zaleski, P.C. today at (800) 690-0235.

The article, Understaffed Nursing Homes can Lead to Elder Abuse, has more information about the problems associated with understaffing, including the necessary legal action that should be taken.