A nursing home may choose to have minimal staff in order to save money; in particular, the cost of registered nursing staff. Yet, registered nurses are in the best position to help assess chronically ill patients and request the doctor to provide treatment which is best suited to assist the nursing home patient in maintaining his/her highest level of functioning. Licensed practical nurses are helpful but have less nursing training. Nursing Home understaffing causes Nursing Home Injuries
In addition, understaffing of certified nursing assistants can cause nursing home neglect. Many nursing home patients are significantly dependent on nursing home staff and nursing assistants to provide for their needs such as providing food, turning, repositioning, providing water and other liquids, and toileting. If a nursing home has a high number of significantly dependent patients, state minimums of nursing assistants will not allow the nursing home staff enough time to meet the needs of the patients. The failure to meet the needs of the nursing home patient is neglect and may cause serious injuries such as bed sores, dehydration, malnutrition, and even death.
How long does it take for a nurse or nursing assistant to respond when assistance is requested? The failure to timely provide assistance may indicate the nursing home is understaffed.
If your loved one has experienced severe injury or death because of nursing home neglect or abuse, please call Dan Pruitt Law Firm for a free consultation about your case.