It may be difficult to admit that your parent or loved one needs a nursing home’s services. However, for many aging or disabled individuals, it is a viable option that offers numerous benefits, from full-time medical care to assistance with daily activities.
You want to choose a nursing home that is fully staffed with qualified caregivers to provide for your family member’s needs, and we understand. Whether you are looking for a new facility or have concerns about a current one, learn the common warning signs of a short-staffed nursing home so you can avoid this unfortunate situation.
Nursing home residents live at the facility for a reason: they need help. If your loved one appears to be experiencing long waits for personal care or medical attention at their assisted living facility, it may be a precautionary signal of a short-staffing situation. If the nurses struggle to respond promptly to call lights, residents may feel ignored, neglected, or isolated.
Staffing shortages may also lead to poor quality care. If you notice medication errors, such as missed or incorrect dosages, you should be concerned. A decline in hygiene may be a sign that residents are not properly groomed due to unavailable staff. Likewise, poorly prepared meals could lead to malnutrition and dehydration, as limited staff may not have time to monitor your loved one’s nutritional and hydration needs.
Another indication that a nursing home is understaffed is when you cannot easily locate on-duty personnel. If you notice that there seems to be no one around when you visit the facility, it is worrisome, especially when you or a resident needs assistance or has questions.
When staff shortages result in a lack of readily available support, patients may not receive the care they need in a timely manner. Also, if you cannot promptly contact someone on the phone, it could be evidence of limited nursing staff in the care facility.
Team members who are visibly stressed is one of the most revealing indications of limited care providers at a nursing home. They may have difficulties maintaining the cheerful disposition and positive attitude that is essential in their role. Due to the increased workload, the facility’s remaining caregivers may experience high burnout and turnover rates as nurses and other employees leave, further compounding the home’s staffing shortage.
If you notice any of these common warning signs of a short-staffed nursing home, make sure to alert the administrators. Your concerns are valid, and if you do not get the satisfaction you seek, it may be appropriate to report the facility to Pennsylvania’s Department of Health.
Unfortunately, nursing homes across the state suffer from understaffing, and if left unchecked, this could lead to neglect. It may be prudent to speak with one of our personal injury attorneys at Soloff & Zervanos, P.C. for more information and legal advice.
