What are Some Causes of Nursing Home Neglect and Abuse?
Nursing home neglect and abuse can have various causes, and understanding these factors is vital to addressing and preventing mistreatment of vulnerable nursing home residents. In Illinois, the following causes may contribute to nursing home neglect and abuse.
Understaffing
One of the primary contributors to nursing home neglect and nursing home abuse is understaffing. When facilities lack an adequate number of trained and qualified staff members, residents may not receive the attention, care, or assistance they require, leading to neglect and abuse.
Inadequate Training
Staff members in nursing homes must be adequately trained to address the complex needs of residents. Inadequate training can result in caregivers being ill-equipped to handle medical conditions, behavioral issues, or emergencies, potentially leading to neglect or improper care.
High Turnover Rates
High turnover rates of nursing home staff members can disrupt the continuity of care for residents. Constant changes in caregivers may lead to a lack of familiarity with residents’ needs, medications, and care plans, contributing to nursing home abuse, elder abuse, and neglect.
Substance Abuse and High Stress Levels of Nursing Home Staff
Substance abuse by the nursing home staff can impair judgment and compromise the quality of care provided to residents. High stress levels among staff, whether due to workload or inadequate support can contribute to an environment where patience wears thin, and the risk of neglect or abusive behavior increases.
Lack of Supervision
Inadequate supervision of staff members can create an environment where nursing home abuse, elder abuse, or neglect goes unnoticed. Lack of oversight may allow caregivers to neglect their responsibilities or engage in abusive behaviors without being held accountable.
Failure to Address Behavioral Issues
A nursing home resident with cognitive or behavioral issues, such as dementia, may require specialized care. Failure to address these issues appropriately can result in frustration among caregivers at assisted living facilities, potentially leading to medical neglect, physical harm, or abuse.
Poor Facility Management
Nursing home abuse or neglect of elderly residents can stem from systemic issues within the nursing home, including poor management, lack of policies and procedures, or a failure to enforce safety measures. Facilities with inadequate leadership may foster an environment where neglect can occur.
Inadequate Background Checks
Insufficient background checks during the hiring process at an assisted living facility may lead to the employment of individuals with a history of physical or financial abuse or neglect. Thorough screening is essential to ensure that staff members have a clean record and are suitable for caring for vulnerable residents.
Poor Communication
Ineffective communication among staff members, between staff and residents, and between the nursing home administrators and family members can result in misunderstandings and oversights, contributing to neglect at nursing homes when a resident suffers from a physical or mental illness.
Insufficient Regulatory Oversight
Inadequate regulatory oversight or enforcement can contribute to a lack of accountability in nursing homes. Nursing home facilities may not feel compelled to maintain high standards of care without effective monitoring.
Focus on Profit Over Quality of Care
When profit becomes the primary focus, the quality of care can suffer and the incidence of nursing home negligence can increase. Decision-making may be driven by financial considerations rather than a commitment to providing the best possible care for residents.
It is important to report incidents of nursing home abuse and neglect to the state authorities, adult protective services, health and human services, and/or the World Health Organization, and seek legal representation from a dedicated Illinois nursing home abuse lawyer.
How an Attorney will Prove Understaffing at a Nursing Home?
Review Staffing Records: Attorneys will thoroughly examine the nursing home employee records, including schedules, shift rotations, and the number of staff members on duty during specific periods. Discrepancies between the documented staffing levels and the actual care needs of residents can be indicative of understaffing.
Compare Staffing Ratios to Industry Standards: Attorneys may compare the nursing home’s staffing ratios to industry standards and guidelines. The American Health Care Association (AHCA) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) provide recommendations for staffing levels in nursing homes. Deviations from these standards may suggest understaffing.
Examine State Inspection Reports: State health departments conduct regular inspections of nursing homes, evaluating compliance with regulations, including staffing requirements. Attorneys will scrutinize these inspection reports for any findings related to understaffing or deficiencies in medical care resulting from inadequate nursing home employees.
If you suspect that your loved one may be a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, our lawyers at Hipskind & McAninch, LLC are ready to provide you strong legal representation. Our hundreds of five-star Google Reviews reflect the trust our clients place in us. Call us at 618-617-6320 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation today.
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