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How understaffing in nursing homes contributes to abuse

On Behalf of | Sep 2, 2022 | Long-term Care Facility Neglect |

Nursing home residents need constant care. However, staff constraints can make it impossible to attend to individual needs as should be the case. As a result, residents are predisposed to abuse and neglect, putting their health and well-being at risk.

In some cases, unavoidable factors such as a labor shortage can be behind understaffing at a facility. However, the nursing home administrators may be to blame for not hiring enough staff in a bid to save on operating costs.

The consequences of understaffing in nursing homes

An understaffed nursing facility means that its employees are likely to be overworked. It may result in fatigue, stress and job frustrations that can spill over to the residents who are likely to face abuse.

It can also prevent caregivers from efficiently doing their job given the massive workload. It could lead to neglect. For instance, inadequate staff can lead to bedsores for patients in bed who don’t get the necessary care and attention, while basic hygiene at the facility may be lacking. All of these can be deadly to vulnerable elderly residents.

Protecting your loved one from nursing home abuse

It is crucial to conduct due diligence before settling on a nursing home for your loved one. Understaffing in nursing facilities is more prevalent than you think, and you cannot take any chances. While reviews from former residents or friends and family can be helpful, consider making an in-person visit to the facility to ascertain whether your loved one will be in safe hands.

Equally, you need to be aware of the steps to take if your loved one is a victim of nursing home abuse. It could be from understaffing or other acts of negligence at the facility. Either way, they deserve justice for the harm suffered from physical or financial abuse.

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