Many nursing homes across New York State are notoriously understaffed. Numerous studies show nursing homes with more nurses, nurse aides and other staff leads to better care for nursing home residents.

The reality is, however, that nursing home employees are often overworked and turnover can be very high.

Federal law requires Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing homes to have a registered nurse (RN) on duty at least 8 hours a day, 7 days a week; and a licensed nurse (RN or LPN) on duty 24 hours a day. However, there are no minimum staffing levels for nurse's aides, who provide the large majority of the day-to-day care, including assistance with bathing, grooming, eating, turning, transferring, ambulating, toileting, changing, etc.

Instead, nursing homes are required "to provide sufficient staff and services to attain or maintain the highest possible level of physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each resident."

Here is a link to the US News website, which provides information about each registered nursing home facility in the State of New York, along with information regarding the size of each facility, staffing information, ownership, inspection reports, inspections and complaints, and contact information.

Studies have shown that lack of proper staffing in nursing homes can lead to an increase in injuries sustained. Leitner Varughese has extensive experience representing clients who have been injured in New York nursing homes. Some of the most common injuries that we have observed include:

Injuries that occur in a patient who is bed-bound Dehydration or malnutrition Asphyxiation Head injuries (brain bleeds, subdural hematomas) Hip fracture, femur fracture, tibia fracture, fibula fracture, leg fracture Severe infections Bedsores that have reached later stages that involve underlying tissue or bone Injuries such as bruises, cuts, welts or wounds that have no explanation Falls resulting in injury Severe infections Choking Unexplained and sudden death Bedsores that have reached later stages that involve underlying tissue or bone Injuries such as bruises, cuts, welts or wounds that have no explanation Decubitus ulcers, pressure ulcers Malnutrition / Dehydration

If you, a family member or a friend have been injured due to the neglect of others in a New York nursing home, call Leitner Varughese at (855) LV LAW NY (855-585-2969), or visit our website at http://www.lvlawny.com.