Unpacking the Reasons Why Nursing Home Negligence Occurs

 Posted on April 28, 2023 in Nursing Home Abuse

Nursing home negligence is a serious and growing problem in the United States. Not only is this form of negligence shockingly cruel and despicable, such negligence can easily lead to life-threatening injuries and sometimes even death. Several factors contribute to nursing home negligence, which is essential to understand why this form of negligence is so prevalent. If your loved one has suffered from instances of neglect, contact a nursing home negligence attorney to ensure those responsible can be held accountable for their actions. 

Factors that Contribute to Nursing Home Negligence

One of the primary causes of nursing home negligence is understaffing. Many nursing homes are understaffed, meaning caregivers may be forced to work long hours and care for many residents. This can lead to burnout and fatigue, which can, in turn, result in mistakes, neglect, or abuse. In addition, understaffing can make it difficult for caregivers to provide individualized care to each resident, leading to a decline in the quality of care.

Another factor that contributes to nursing home negligence is poor training. Caregivers in nursing homes may not receive the proper training or education on how to care for residents with complex medical needs, such as dementia or Alzheimer's. This can result in mistakes or neglect that can seriously harm residents. In addition, caregivers may not receive training on identifying and reporting abuse or neglect, which can result in unreported cases.

A lack of oversight and accountability is another factor that contributes to nursing home negligence. Many nursing homes are owned by large corporations, which may prioritize profits over quality of care. This can lead to a lack of resources for training, staffing, and resident care. In addition, there may be a lack of oversight and accountability at the state and federal levels, making it challenging to hold nursing homes accountable for abuse or neglect.

Finally, cultural factors may also contribute to nursing home negligence. For example, in some cases, caregivers may view elderly or disabled residents as a burden or inconvenience, which can lead to neglect or abuse. In addition, there may be a lack of respect for the dignity and autonomy of residents, which can result in a decline in the quality of care.

Contact a Chicago Nursing Home Negligence Attorney

Regardless of the reason it occurs, nursing home negligence is entirely unacceptable. For more information on how we can help your loved one receive the justice they deserve, contact the knowledgeable Cook County nursing home negligence lawyers with Schwartz Injury Law. Call 312-535-4625 for a free consultation. 

Source - https://www.forbes.com/advisor/legal/personal-injury/nursing-home-abuse-lawsuit/