Staffing shortage in nursing homes too often leads to neglect of residents

When nursing home care becomes necessary for a loved one, we expect the nursing home to do what is right and provide proper care. Too often, nursing home residents suffer serious injuries and illnesses due to nursing home negligence or abuse.

There are many factors that can lead to substandard care in a nursing home, but understaffing is a serious concern in New Mexico and nationwide.

Why is staffing an issue?

Part of the problem is the difficulty of finding qualified personnel. Once trained caregivers and staff are hired, nursing homes often have a hard time keeping employees, especially if the facility is understaffed. In an understaffed nursing home, staff can become overworked and overwhelmed, and this can have a direct effect on the care provided to residents.

The problem of understaffing is particularly egregious in nursing homes that are owned by large corporations. These corporations are often very profitable, but in far too many cases, the corporation’s high profits are not reflected in the care provided by the nursing home.

Whoever the owner may be, every nursing home has an obligation to ensure that the facility is properly staffed to care for residents. Unfortunately, even when there are empty beds at a nursing home, understaffing could still be a serious problem.

If you believe that your loved one has been harmed due to nursing home neglect or abuse, talk to an attorney with experience in this particular area of law. To learn more, please see our Elder Abuse FAQ.