Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Often Transpires Because of Understaffing

Written by Adam Peck Category: Elder Law January 26th, 2013 1 min read

Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse is often caused by the understaffing of the nursing care facility. The results of understaffing in any medical care facility can be catastrophic. An overworked nursing staff may leave an elder patient sitting or lying too long in one place, fail to clean up an elder properly, or not give the resident their medication when it is critical that it is done so, Elder patients are especially vulnerable to skin breakdown and need to be turned and repositioned at least very two hours otherwise the elder will certainly acquire bed sores, pressure sores and decubitus ulcers.

Evidence shows that higher staff levels and lower nurse turnover are linked to fewer pressure ulcers, catheterized patients, and urinary tract infections. Inadequate food intake (malnutrition) is a major reason frail elderly people die in nursing homes. Nursing homes must be sufficiently staffed to attend to residents who need assistance and supervision at mealtimes to assure proper nutritional intake and hydration. Low staffed facilities are unable to encourage residents to remain as independent as possible and to encourage participation in activities intended to promote in mental acuity and physical health.

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Written by Adam Peck

Expertise: Personal Injury

Adam J. Peck, ESQ is a principal with Peck Law Group, APC. In 2008, Mr. Adam Peck received his Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School where he graduated Cum Laude. His practice is primarily dedicated to representing Elders, Dependent Adults, along with their loved ones and family members, who have suffered horrific personal injuries.