Safety or health concerns are often the underlying justification for an older adult’s move to a nursing home. They experience medical challenges or end up injured while living independently. They may then make the decision on their own behalf to move to the nursing home.
Other times, family members recognize that their support needs have increased substantially and may decide that the best option is to obtain around-the-clock support at a nursing home. Ideally, the professionals staffing a nursing home can provide the support that an older adult needs.
They can protect vulnerable people from oversights regarding medication and the stress of daily household responsibilities, such as cooking and cleaning. Unfortunately, many nursing homes do not provide appropriate care to all residents. Negligence can lead to an older adult falling and getting hurt.
Delayed assessments increase risk
Older adults all have unique support needs. Nursing homes generally need to perform a thorough assessment of every new resident during the intake process. This allows them to determine what types of support the resident needs for optimal health and safety. The facility typically needs to continue reassessing the older adult regularly or whenever there are marked changes in their health and functional capabilities. Putting off an assessment might mean that an older adult does not get the care they need, which can have tragic results.
Intentional understaffing limits support
Many nursing homes are part of a for-profit business. The company running the facility tries to keep costs low. They achieve this goal by paying workers as little as possible and scheduling the minimum number of employees as required by law. When there aren’t enough workers on hand to take care of residents, older adults may sit waiting for inappropriate amounts of time for basic support. They may then attempt to handle matters on their own, which can have tragic consequences.
Recognizing that negligent care may have contributed to a nursing home incident can help families demand accountability. Falls can compromise an older adult’s health and their quality of life. Nursing homes should take reasonable steps to prevent falls whenever possible and may be liable if they fail to do so.