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Risk Factors Associated with Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

A nursing home is responsible for providing quality care to its residents. Many of the individuals living in nursing home facilities are vulnerable and depend on the services rendered by the nursing home staff. Nursing homes have control of the residents’ quality of life, while living in the facilities.

Licensing and certification agencies regulate nursing home facilities and ensure that state and federal laws and regulations are being followed. Periodic inspections of nursing homes are conducted to make sure the nursing home is in full compliance. Inspectors also investigate nursing home complaints and issue citations and deficiency notices to nursing homes when there are violations. The remedy or citation given depends on the severity of the violation. If the violation puts nursing home residents in immediate danger, then the remedy given will be more severe.

That are certain factors that put nursing home residents in danger and it is important to be aware of these issues. There are three broad categories of risk that are believed to be main contributors to nursing home injuries and abuse. These categories include the following:

• Facility Risk Factors - It has been found that poor staffing of nursing homes and staff indifference can lead to abuse of nursing home residents. To minimize this risk factor, nursing homes must have an established abuse prevention policy, adequate staff training system and staff screening process. Nursing home directors should also be able to identify when a staff member appears stressed or burned out, as this behavior can lead to neglect or abuse of nursing home residents.

• Resident Risk Factors - According to various studies, some nursing home residents are more susceptible to abuse than others. Usually, a resident is more vulnerable when he or she displays behavioral issues relating to dementia, social isolation and unmet needs.

• Relationship Risk Factors - A nursing home resident’s relationship with his or her family and caregivers can also make that person vulnerable to abuse and neglect. When there is no one regularly checking the resident’s care that person may have little protection from nursing home neglect and abuse. Also, relationship risk increases if there is a poor resident to staff ratio and therefore little time to develop relationships with the residents.

Families who have loved ones living in nursing homes should regularly make visits to ensure that adequate care is being provided. By understanding the risk factors that are involved in nursing home abuse and neglect, a resident’s family members can help provide protection.

If you suspect that your loved one has been the victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, contact the Virginia nursing home abuse attorneys at Weisberg & Zaleski, P.C. at (800) 690-0235.




Michael S. Weisberg, P.C.
112 College Place
Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone: (757) 622-7740
Fax: (757) 533-9223
Toll Free: (800) 690-0235
Email: info@weislaw.com
www.weislaw.com