Nursing home neglect and abuse is unacceptable. When a family endures a tragedy inside a healthcare facility, oftentimes, they question why the event occurred. Was it an honest mistake? Is this just a bad facility? Are the nurses and staff ill-intentioned, or just overworked?
In this post, our nursing home attorneys address the five main causes of nursing home negligence.
Why Does Nursing Home Abuse Occur?
There are several causes of nursing home negligence, which can lead to abuse and neglect of residents. Here are a few common causes:
- Staffing issues: One of the primary causes of nursing home negligence is understaffing or lack of training among staff. When there are not enough staff members or they are not adequately trained, they may not be able to provide the level of care that residents need, which can result in neglect and abuse. The most common cause of nursing home injuries is a lack of adequate staff numbers. This is usually due to a decision by corporate to cut staff to make more money. This ‘profits before people’ approach is far too common in the nursing home industry, and places a company’s bottom line ahead of patient safety.
- Inadequate supervision: In some cases, nursing home residents may be at risk of neglect or abuse because there is not enough supervision or oversight by the facility’s management. When high acuity nursing home residents are left to their own devices, injuries occur. This includes falls and elopement out of the facility.
- Financial incentives: Some nursing homes may prioritize profits over resident care, which can lead to neglect and abuse. When owners cut corners and slash budgets, mistakes happen. Nursing home corporations also order substandard medical equipment, or inadequate medical supplies, leading to preventable harm to patients.
- Neglect of duties: In some cases, nursing home staff may neglect their duties, such as providing proper nutrition, medication, and hygiene care, which can lead to serious health problems for residents. For example, if a nursing home C.N.A. fails to reposition a patient that cannot move on their own, they will develop bedsores, which is a telltale sign of nursing home neglect. Some nursing home aides neglect patients because they are indifferent or uncaring. Other staff simply do not have enough time to properly care for all the residents they have on their floor. Whatever the reason, there is no justification for an elderly, vulnerable nursing home patient to be neglected.
- Physical and emotional stress: Caring for elderly and disabled residents can be physically and emotionally demanding, which can lead to staff burnout and stress, resulting in neglect and abuse. This also contributes to high turnover rates with the nursing home staff.
Recognizing the Red Flags of Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect
It’s important for nursing homes to have proper protocols in place to prevent neglect and abuse, and for families and loved ones of nursing home residents to be vigilant and report any signs of abuse or neglect.
Below are some of the red flags of nursing home negligence.
Free Claim Consultation
If your loved one suffered any of the above injuries, contact Senior Justice Law Firm immediately. We can investigate the case and determine what happened, as well as the root cause for the nursing home neglect.
Speak with our nursing home negligence attorneys today by calling 888.375.9998 or submitting your case facts below. We look forward to helping you along the journey to justice.
