Nursing home care is an important part of elderly care, providing a safe and secure environment for those who cannot take care of themselves. Unfortunately, there are many issues with nursing homes that can affect the quality of life for residents and their families. In some cases, staying in a nursing home can even result in preventable injuries and harm.
If your loved one has been a victim of abuse or neglect in a nursing home, our lawyers at Leitner Varughese PLLC can help. Our New York nursing home injury lawyers understand how angering and shocking it can be to learn that your loved one was injured in a nursing home. We are here to help you fight for justice.
Common Complaints in Nursing Homes
From inadequate staffing to abuse, here are some of the most common complaints about nursing homes.
Inadequate Staffing
One of the biggest problems facing nursing homes is inadequate staffing. This means that there are not enough staff members to provide quality care for all the residents. This can lead to long wait times for meals or assistance with daily activities like getting dressed or bathing. It can also mean that residents don't get proper attention when they need it most, such as during a medical emergency. All these things can have a negative impact on a resident's quality of life and safety.
Poor-Quality Food
Another complaint commonly associated with nursing home care is poor-quality food. Many nursing homes serve frozen, processed foods that lack nutrition and taste bad. Not only does this result in unappetizing meals, but it also means that residents may not be getting the nutrients they need to stay healthy. Poor-quality food can make a resident feel unwell, leading to further health complications down the line.
Neglect
Neglect is another major issue in nursing homes, where staff members may not be paying enough attention to individual residents' needs or concerns. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness as well as physical ailments due to improper hygiene or medical care. It is important for family members and visitors to keep an eye out for signs of neglect when visiting their loved ones in nursing homes so they can intervene if necessary.
Staff-to-Resident Abuse
Unfortunately, abuse from staff members is also a common complaint in nursing homes. While most staff members are dedicated professionals who strive to provide excellent care for all their residents, there are some cases where staff may take advantage of vulnerable individuals by physically or verbally abusing them or taking advantage of them financially. It's important for family members and visitors to be vigilant and report any signs of abuse immediately so that it can be addressed as soon as possible.
Fact: According to a report by the U.S. Department of Justice, at least 10% of older adults (aged 65 and older) experience some form of abuse in a given year.
Resident-to-Resident Abuse
Finally, resident-to-resident abuse is another common complaint in nursing homes. Aggressive behavior between residents can occur due to dementia or other mental health issues and should be taken seriously by staff members so it does not escalate into something more serious like physical violence or sexual assault. It is important for staff members to monitor interactions between residents and intervene if necessary so everyone stays safe and healthy while living at the facility.
Discuss Your Situation with a Lawyer at Leitner Varughese PLLC
These are just some of the most common complaints about nursing home care—there are certainly others that should also be considered when selecting a facility for your loved one's care needs. If your loved one was injured or otherwise harmed while staying in a nursing home, our lawyers at Leitner Varughese PLLC can help. Discuss your particular situation with our compassionate and dedicated lawyers by calling 212-671-1110. We offer free initial consultations.
