Inadequate Staffing in Nursing Homes

New Study Finds that Nursing Homes Routinely Cover up Inadequate Staffing

An article published in the New York Times on Sunday, July 8, 2018 set forth startling facts about the staffing situations in nursing homes.  As the article set forth, despite reporting to the government that there were adequate numbers of nurses and nursing assistants, a new study conducted by Kaiser Health News shows quite a different picture. This study looked at Nursing Home payroll records. The results were not surprising but confirmed what many family members have long believed:  on many occasions there are inadequate numbers of staff to care for their family members.

Over 14,000 Nursing Homes were evaluated and revealed that on the worse staffed days, the personnel were required to care for twice as many patients as they did when the units were adequately staffed. For years, The Times reports, the Nursing Home industry has hidden the truth from government evaluators.

As attorneys representing patients in nursing homes, our firm has long been aware of the dramatic fluctuations in staffing levels. Our clients often report that on weekends, their loved ones are virtually abandoned due to the poor staffing levels. There are over 1.4 million residents in skilled nursing facilities throughout the country. Most require significant nursing care to avert the development of bedsores and falls; they require adequate nutrition. These nursing measures are necessary every day around the clock and are not to be reduced on weekends. Inadequate staffing leads to high turnover of nursing personnel which increases the number of patients that the remaining staff members must manage and care for.  The payroll records show that on weekends there are an average of 11 percent fewer nurses on duty. Nursing assistants are often required to care for as many as 14 residents on a weekend shift.

If you or your loved one has been a victim of this profit oriented neglect, please call the Law Duo for a free consultation at 973.539.4466.

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