Why Nursing Home Understaffing Often Leads to Tragic and Preventable Injuries

 Posted on August 28, 2023 in Neglect

Nursing homes have a duty under Illinois state law to provide adequate staffing levels corresponding to the number and care needs of residents. However, understaffing continues to be a widespread problem that frequently results in devastating, avoidable injuries through neglect and oversight.

Nursing Shortages Lead to Rushed, Poor Care

Staff levels at too many nursing homes fall dangerously short of meeting resident needs. Too few nurses, certified nursing assistants (CNAs), orderlies, and attendants is an underlying cause of many nursing home tragedies. Staff shortages lead to incredibly rushed, low quality care as the limited staff scramble to care for too many people. Important aspects of care and supervision inevitably fall through the cracks.

Bedsores and Dangerous Infection

For bedridden patients, insufficient staffing translates directly to painful, infected bedsores and pressure ulcers due to lack of repositioning and proper hygiene care. Turning schedules slip through the cracks when rushed CNAs care for double or triple the recommended number of residents. Unnoticed soiling further complicates bedsores.

Falls and Traumatic Brain Injuries

Falls remain one of the most common nursing home injuries, often leading to broken bones, head injuries, and even wrongful death. With short staffing, residents who need frequent bathroom assistance attempt to walk unsupervised, which can result in bad falls. Other falls occur during unassisted transfers between beds and wheelchairs. Lack of supervision impedes fall prevention.

Dehydration and Malnutrition

Eating assistance for residents along with encouragement to take in adequate nutrition and hydration becomes an afterthought during understaffed shifts. Meals run late while water intake is not monitored closely leading to dehydration for some residents. Unnoticed excessive weight loss may also occur.

Increased Isolation and Depression

Inadequate staffing also means less social engagement for residents who may go prolonged periods without any meaningful social interaction, activities, or mental stimulation due to understaffing. This isolation and boredom understandably takes a major toll on seniors' mental health.

Demand Legally Mandated Nurse-Patient Ratios

The only long-term solution is demanding state lawmakers establish and enforce minimum nurse-patient ratios in line with national recommendations. When nursing homes willfully ignore inadequate staffing year after year, legal action may be the only way to spark meaningful change. 

Contact a Chicago Nursing Home Injury Lawyer

Consult an experienced Illinois nursing home injury attorney if you suspect understaffing led to a loved one's decline or injury. Justice may be found through legal accountability. Call Schwartz Injury Law at 312-535-4625 for a free consultation.

Source: https://www.nprillinois.org/2022-06-01/new-law-provides-700-million-for-nursing-home-staffing