It can be upsetting for Indiana families to place loved ones into nursing homes. However, over time, if a family member’s condition requires the level of care you can’t provide, taking this step is necessary. Sadly, many nursing homes are understaffed, which leads to older adults suffering harm.
Reasons for nursing home understaffing
There are many different reasons why a nursing home might be understaffed. The cost of labor is one of them; if the nursing home doesn’t have enough money to pay for staff, it’s natural for understaffing to be an issue. Sometimes, there isn’t enough demand for a nursing home job as such positions are very demanding and often involve long work hours for too little pay. However, because workers earn an hourly salary, they are due overtime, but that may not be enough to keep staff as they might be required to cover extra shifts in addition to their normal hours.
Effects of nursing home understaffing
Whatever the reason, nursing home understaffing can negatively impact vulnerable nursing home residents. In many cases, it equates to nursing home neglect, an issue that is often unintentional. People can suffer serious injuries when left to their own devices as staff members are required to care for multiple residents at one time.
Nursing home understaffing can lead to the closure of the affected nursing home. When this happens, residents must be moved to different facilities. Depending on the individual’s health status and condition, it could lead to patients suffering harm.
Understaffing could lead to nursing home residents having to fend for themselves. They can suffer falls if they get around by themselves. Some might be confined to their beds or chairs for long periods, which can lead to the development of bedsores.
If you have a family member in a nursing home, they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and receive the highest level of care. Sadly, understaffing can prevent that from happening.
