Uncovering the Causes of Abuse and Neglect in Nursing Homes

Abuse can come in many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse. Unfortunately, many instances of abuse go unreported, as residents may not have the ability to communicate what is happening to them or they may fear retaliation from staff members.

Nursing homes are meant to be safe havens for our elderly loved ones. When we entrust our loved ones to the care of nursing homes, we expect that they will receive the attention, care, and respect they deserve. Unfortunately, this doesn’t always happen. The number of cases of abuse and neglect in nursing homes continues to rise. One of the main contributors to these incidents is poor staffing decisions.

Overworked Staff:

Most nursing homes don’t have enough staff or money to give all of their residents the care they need. This makes the staff overworked and stressed, so they can’t give the residents the care they need. This can make it so that residents don’t get the care they need, like help with bathing, grooming, and eating. When there isn’t enough staff, frustrated and overworked workers may lash out at residents. It also means that there are fewer people on staff who can look for and deal with instances of abuse and neglect.

Lack of Training: 

When nursing homes hire staff members who are not properly trained, they may not know how to properly care for the residents. They may not have the skills and knowledge to give residents quality care, which can lead to poor living conditions and medical care. When unqualified individuals are hired, it can lead to mistakes that result in injury or even death.

Inadequate Background Checks: 

All staff members at a nursing home should go through thorough background checks before they are hired. If they fail to do so, they may hire individuals with a history of abuse or neglect.

High Turnover: 

When nursing homes don’t give their staff members enough support and resources, they may have a high turnover rate. As a result, residents may receive care from new staff members who are unfamiliar with their needs or preferences.

Nursing Home Responsibility 

Poor staffing decisions can have a devastating impact on the residents of nursing homes. It is the job of nursing home administrators to make sure that the right people are hired and that their employees have the right tools and support. This means doing thorough background checks on everyone who might be hired, giving staff members ongoing training and education, and putting in place policies and procedures that put the safety and well-being of residents first.

Warning Signs To Look Out For

If you suspect nursing home abuse, there are some important warning signs to look out for. These include unexplained injuries, pressure ulcers or bedsores, dehydration, malnourishment, or rapid weight loss, as well as unexplained falls and fractures. Improperly administered medications, unsanitary conditions, inadequate staffing, and refusals by nursing home staff to allow visitation can also be red flags. Changes in behavior or mood swings, unexplained financial transactions, changes to the resident’s will, and sudden unexplained death should also be cause for concern.

Contact Sugarman Law Today For a Free Consultation About Your Nursing Home Neglect Case in Somerville, NJ

If you or a loved one has been the victim of abuse or neglect in a nursing home, it’s important to seek legal help right away. The attorneys at Sugarman Law are experienced in handling nursing home abuse and nursing home neglect cases and can help you get the compensation you deserve. 

At Sugarman Law, we understand how devastating nursing home abuse and neglect can be. That’s why we’re committed to helping victims and their families get the justice they deserve. With years of experience handling these types of cases, our attorneys have the knowledge and expertise necessary to fight for your rights. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you.