How Understaffing Harms Nursing Home Residents

 Posted on June 29, 2023 in Neglect

Nursing homes often put profits over people. One way that they do this is by deliberately understaffing their facilities to save money on payrolls. Illinois has passed a law requiring certain staffing levels in nursing homes, but it is not yet effective. Understaffing can injure, or even kill, nursing home residents in a number of ways.

Residents Can Develop Infections

Nursing home staff perform a number of crucial functions that assist residents with activities of daily life. One key task is to change and toilet the residents when necessary. If a senior sits too long in unsanitary conditions, they may develop a urinary tract infection. Furthermore, staff must frequently change the resident’s position, so they do not develop pressure ulcers. Any minor infection can quickly become more serious without the proper care and supervision.

Fall Risks Are Increased

Residents who are deemed to be a fall risk must have a fall prevention plan to which staff must adhere. A short staffed nursing home may mean that the resident has to wait for assistance with moving. They may try to get up on their own and fall as a result. In some cases, a senior may need two or more people to move them. When there is not enough staff, only one may try to move the senior, and they could fall in the process. 

Residents Are Not Adequately Fed and Hydrated

Proper nutrition and hydration is crucial to a nursing home resident’s health. Sudden weight loss can lead to a variety of health conditions, including a susceptibility to infection. In addition, dehydration will weaken the skin, leaving it susceptible to breakdown. The lack of staff often means that residents do not have an adequate diet or any help feeding them when they need it. They are often left unsupervised at meal time. 

Staff Cannot Detect and Treat Health Conditions

Residents depend on nursing home staff to monitor their health and spot health challenges as they arise. If a health condition goes too long without being diagnosed, it can grow exponentially worse. The nurses who interact with and check on the resident are the first line of defense in treating them.

Contact a Chicago Nursing Home Attorney Today

Your family needs a determined Cook County nursing home neglect attorneys to get justice when your loved one has been injured. You can and should fight for full financial compensation, and the lawyers at Schwartz Injury Law can help. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 312-535-4625.

Source

https://nursejournal.org/articles/chronic-understaffing-in-nursing-homes/