When families place an elderly loved one in a nursing home, they expect them to be safe, comfortable and properly cared for. However, we often hear stories of negligence resulting in preventable injuries in these facilities. One of the common factors in these cases injuries is understaffing.
Common risks of nursing home understaffing
When a nursing facility operates with fewer staff members than needed, the staff may have to prioritize emergencies over preventative care. This could lead to situations where essential tasks get skipped. Here are some of the common consequences of understaffing, including:
- Bedsores: Failing to reposition bedridden residents regularly could cause painful bedsores.
- Falls: Residents trying to get up on their own could result in severe fractures and even traumatic brain injuries.
- Medication errors: Overworked staff may administer the wrong medication, miss a dose or delay treatment.
- Infections: Poorly maintained facilities and unhygienic conditions could invite severe infections like sepsis.
Because many of these issues are preventable, staffing levels often become an important issue when evaluating whether negligence occurred. Nursing homes should maintain sufficient staff to take care of every single resident in their facility. In some circumstances, inadequate staffing levels may be considered evidence of negligence if they contribute to resident injuries.
Can we take legal action?
If your elderly loved one suffers from a painful bedsore, fall, medication error or sudden illness, negligence in the nursing homes could be to blame. If you suspect understaffing of the institution led to your loved one’s condition, seeking legal guidance from an experienced legal counsel could help protect their rights and guide them to healing and justice.
