Nursing homes serve a vital role in communities. Families depend on them to provide a safe environment and attentive care for their elderly loved ones.
Unfortunately, many nursing homes are facing staffing shortages. While it may be an industry-wide problem, it does not excuse them if residents are harmed.
How staffing shortages affect resident care
Many elderly people end up in long-term care facilities because they need the help of skilled nursing staff. When staffing is inadequate, residents suffer the consequences, such as:
- Missed or delayed medications
- Medication overdoses
- Falls resulting in fractures or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Untreated bedsores
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Infections such as sepsis or pneumonia
The staff may rush through tasks or fail to notice changes in a resident’s condition. For the elderly, these health problems can lead to death.
In some cases, burnout and frustration can escalate into verbal or physical abuse.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) repealed the minimum staffing rule of 3.48 hours of nursing care per resident. However, Missouri has its own staffing requirements: one staff person per five residents during the day, ten residents in the evening and 15 residents overnight. These staffing levels are to ensure residents’ health, safety and well-being. If a nursing home knowingly and regularly operates without sufficient staff to meet residents’ needs, it may constitute neglect.
When staffing shortages lead to injury or abuse, the liability shouldn’t end with a single caregiver. Other responsible parties may include:
- The nursing home facility for failing to hire and retain adequate staff
- Supervisors who didn’t schedule enough staff for the shift
- Administrators or owners who prioritized profits over care
When a nursing home can’t hire enough staff to meet resident care requirements, it needs to put admissions on hold to accommodate current staffing levels.
If you believe your loved one is suffering due to staff shortages, you should consider reporting your concerns to the Missouri Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). You may also want to contact a legal professional to understand your options.
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