Many Indiana families have no other choice but to place loved ones in nursing homes. While there are some facilities that provide exceptional care, there are facilities that do not fare as well. Many of these establishments face staffing challenges that make it difficult to provide residents with proper care. As a result, the residents may become victims of neglect and injury.
For example, South Bend nursing homes have critical staffing issues, according to Data Indiana. In 2016, it was the most pervasive deficiency within these facilities. Staffing problems specifically pertain to the inability to properly screen, hire and train employees. Inadequate staffing, along with other issues, has placed a negative spotlight on Indiana nursing homes. The conditions did not go unnoticed by the Nursing Home Report Cards, which gave the state an “F” rating in 2015.
Why are so many nursing homes poorly staffed? There are several factors contributing to this problem. Mainly, it is hard attracting high-quality employees because the work is very demanding. Additionally, the pay is low and the benefits are minimal. These conditions create an environment that makes frail or elderly residents vulnerable to neglect. Situations such as failing to receive sufficient water, food or medicine fall under the umbrella of neglect. Furthermore, neglect often leads to injuries.
According to Reuters, facial injuries are common among nursing home residents. These injuries result from falls, especially when residents get in and out of bed. Many of them experience skin tears, deep cuts and even bone fractures. Nearly 110,000 U.S. nursing home residents age 60 and older suffered these types of injuries between 2011 and 2015. In each of these cases, the individuals needed ER treatment.
