The United States is currently experiencing a surge in its elderly population. According to the 2010 census, with a total of 40 million people, 13% population was more than 65 years old, and 6 million individuals were over 85 years old.
Research suggests that 19% of the population may be in the oldest age range by 2060. With the increase in the senior population, there is a growing demand for nursing homes. As demand for nursing homes has increased, so have abuse and neglect cases. There are many reasons for this issue, including staff shortages, inadequate training, etc.
No matter what the reason is, it is important to address nursing home abuse. If you or someone you know has been the victim of nursing home abuse, discuss your case with nursing home negligence lawyers to learn your rights and options for overcoming this. These lawyers can help you obtain compensation, and in addition, they can put an end to nursing home abuse.
Table of Contents
Main Causes of Nursing Home Abuse
The only way to prevent these issues is to know the root causes. Here are the main reasons:
Shortage Of Staff
Any nursing home organization will likely succeed if it has enough staff members. Inadequate staffing can lead to a decrease in the quality of care and an increase in the risk of abuse or neglect. With time, the facility may experience a decrease in morale and efficiency. If personnel doesn’t feel supported, it can lead to substandard care for residents. It’s essential to provide full attention at all times to ensure the highest level of service.
Staff With Insufficient Training
All healthcare staff should have proper knowledge and training to meet their patients’ needs. Nursing homes must ensure that their staff members have the necessary skills to perform their tasks. This will help them in patient care to ensure optimal quality of life for residents.
The Underpaying of Employees
Nursing homes are private organizations, meaning they have uniform pay rates. This can lead to staff feeling underpaid and needing more motivation to provide good care. This can lead to a compromised standard of care, resulting in neglect or abuse.
Employees Personal Issue
Nursing homes are usually run by qualified and reliable staff. But, unfortunately, there is still the potential for abuse. It can be because of several personal reasons, including burnout, stress, mental illness, and work overload. Organizations must ensure that their employees are mentally and physically prepared to do their jobs.
Poor In-House Management System
The integrity of nursing home operations depends on proper leadership and oversight. This will ensure that standards are upheld that prevent potential causes of abuse. Also, nursing home management should establish clear accountability measures for resident care. Organizations must have policies and norms in place that employees can follow. This helps them to create an environment of respect and dignity.
Lack of Consequences
Most abuse cases are not investigated or punished by the local and state authorities. This can lead to abuse, neglect, and exploitation in nursing homes. It is important to address the root cause of abuses, and strict punishments should be imposed.
More Geared Towards Profits
According to the CDC, 70% of nursing homes are running as for-profit establishments. Unfortunately, this facility often privileges financial gain over proper resident care. The study has shown that for-profit nursing home residents are at risk for health issues related to inadequate care.
Bottomline
There are many reasons for the rising problem of nursing home abuse in the United States. These include understaffing, a lack of training, and insufficient regulation. With the aging population, this problem is only likely to get worse. We need to invest more in staffing, training, and regulation of nursing homes to avoid such issues.
