Most people consider understaffing a simple human resources issue. On the contrary, it is a legal issue and nursing homes face severe consequences if they leave it unaddressed. If your loved one is a resident in a nursing home, learning this distinction will be a great help.
What are the risks of understaffing in nursing homes?
Maryland law dictates that nursing homes have sufficient staff with them. While ignoring the rules can expose the facility to legal liabilities, the real problem lies in the dangers your loved one may face. Here are some problems understaffing may trigger:
- If your loved one requires constant repositioning while in bed, negligence by the staff may result in advanced pressure ulcers.
- If your loved one requires bedside support, a lack of supervision can expose them to the risk of falling.
- In case your loved one has a memory or cognitive impairment, they are at a high risk of wandering off or eloping from the facility.
- A shortage of staff can sometimes lead to the spread of infections from one patient to another.
These cases are the typical byproduct when facilities cut corners with a skeleton crew.
How can you protect your loved ones?
If you have a loved one in a nursing home, you must stay alert. One of the best ways to protect them is to make frequent visits. You can also check the facility’s official inspection records, probe nurse staffing data online and constantly monitor the physical and mental health of your elderly family member.
What are the ways to report?
You do not have to wait for the complications to take place. At any time, you can file an official complaint regarding nursing home abuse and neglect with the MDH or contact a local long-term care ombudsman. Furthermore, you can pursue a civil personal injury claim against the facility to seek compensation and justice.