Understaffing Nursing Homes Could Increase Risk of Neglect

 Posted on July 27, 2021 in Neglect

Nursing home residents generally require a closer eye to ensure their safety and care. But when a nursing home facility is understaffed, its ability to maintain the wellbeing of its patients can become compromised. Unfortunately, such a situation commonly leads to nursing home neglect.

There are numerous ways in which a staff shortage can negatively impact both staff and residents. Some of these issues include:

• Medication errors, including skipped doses of medicine

• Delayed response times to residents’ needs

• Increased risk for bedsores and infections

• Malnutrition and dehydration

• Poor hygiene

• Increased risk for wandering and elopement

• Increased risk for injuries

Neglect

When a nursing home is understaffed, the employees working are left with a larger amount of work. This increased workload often impacts their ability to complete important tasks properly. Additionally, an increased workload often delays employees’ ability to respond to important patient issues in a timely manner. In the same vein, this heavy workload often impacts residents’ hygiene and nutrition, as employees are busy with so many tasks that they are much more likely to neglect their patients. Without closely monitoring patients, these residents are much likelier to fall or seriously injure themselves in some other manner.

Abuse

Another issue that often arises as a result of understaffing is an increased amount of stress on employees. This rising stress level can cause employees to lose their tempers and take out their anger or dissatisfaction on the patients, abusing them.

While not necessarily intended, understaffing at nursing homes can lead to great neglect and abuse – both of which significantly impact the wellbeing of residents. When a patient has been victimized and harmed under such a situation, they or their loved ones may wish to hold the parties accountable for their negligent actions or inactions. By speaking with a qualified Illinois nursing home attorney, they can best ensure that justice is served. They may also be able to recover financial compensation for damages like additional medical expenses. 

Contact a Chicago Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer

There is no doubt that those who reside in nursing homes are a much more vulnerable population, and therefore those in charge of their wellbeing should be held to a higher standard of care. If you or a family member has suffered harm that you believe is the result of neglect or abuse by nursing home staff, the attorneys at Schwartz Injury Law can help. They will make sure that you understand your options and can help you to pursue a claim for compensation. Call us at 312-535-4625 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Cook County nursing home injury attorneys.

Sources:

https://www.chicagotribune.com/investigations/ct-met-illinois-nursing-home-staffing-20190604-story.html

https://www.nursinghomeabuse.org/nursing-home-neglect/understaffing/