Federal regulations play a major role in ensuring the safety of nursing home residents. For years, there have been baseline standards regarding staffing. There are rules requiring a minimum number of workers at nursing homes and similar long-term care facilities based on the number of residents. In the industry, these standards are known as “hours per resident day” (HPRD) standards.
Unfortunately, changes in policies at the state and federal levels have set aside attempts to increase staffing requirements. Lawsuits within the state, followed by changes in federal policy, have diminished the demands placed on nursing homes, which may have dire implications for residents living in those facilities.
Fewer workers mean less support for residents
Adults in nursing homes and similar facilities may need help going to the bathroom or getting dressed. They could be at risk of a fall if they attempt to manage those tasks on their own. Having enough workers on hand helps ensure the security of people in memory wards who struggle with dementia and the overall cleanliness of the facility.
As for-profit nursing homes scale back on staffing due to the lack of federal regulations, residents and their families may notice a noteworthy decline in care standards. Older adults could end up sickened or injured due to understaffing.
Families need to watch for red flags
If there are concerns about the standard of care at a nursing home, family members visiting residents there may need to monitor the situation carefully and document any warning signs of negligent care standards. Checking in late at night and on the weekends, when staff levels are at their lowest, can be helpful.
Some of the most concerning red flags include:
- unkempt residents
- missed medication doses
- dirty facilities
- an inability to locate workers
- residents wandering without support
- call lights and alarms that go unattended to for lengthy periods
- unanswered phone calls
Complaints from loved ones can also be indicative of a decline in the care that they receive.
The unfortunate reality is that some older adults may pay the price for the business policies implemented by nursing homes. They could fall, leave the facility without support or develop a preventable infestation or infection due to lack of appropriate sanitation.
When there is clear documentation of substandard care practices and insufficient support, the family members of injured residents and those who die prematurely may have grounds for a nursing home negligence lawsuit. Keeping documentation of safety concerns and securing copies of records regarding individual resident care can potentially help families demand accountability when long-term care providers fail to properly support older adults.