Nursing homes are bustling facilities where staff members are responsible for all aspects of residents’ care, from the administration of medications to daily living assistance. Despite the critical nature of their work, many nursing homes are chronically understaffed, which can have serious implications for resident care. In particular, staff shortages can leave residents vulnerable to neglect, mistreatment, and serious cases of abuse.Â
If you suspect that your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, consulting a Milwaukee nursing home abuse lawyer can be a crucial step in protecting their rights and well-being.
Why Are Nursing Homes Often Understaffed?
In Wisconsin, many long-term care facilities lack the staff necessary to provide each resident with the care and attention that they deserve. According to an article from Wisconsin Watch, residents have reported missing doses of medication, taking showers only once per week, and even waiting for hours for someone to respond to their calls for help due to poor staffing in nursing homes.Â
The understaffing crisis can be attributed to several factors, such as:
- High Labor Costs: Operating a 24-hour care facility requires significant financial investment in staffing. To minimize these costs, some nursing homes might limit the number of staff on duty, to the detriment of residents.
- Staff Turnover: High turnover rates among nurses and certified nursing assistants are often both a cause and a consequence of understaffing. Overworked and overwhelmed staff are more likely to leave their positions, leaving nursing homes without an adequate number of workers.
- Required Overtime: Administrators might rely on overtime to cover shifts, rather than hiring additional staff. While overtime pay can be financially beneficial for employees, working excessive hours can lead to burnout and reduced quality of care.Â
Understaffing Can Leave Residents Vulnerable to Abuse
Understaffing in nursing homes can lead to various forms of neglect and abuse. Insufficient staffing levels often mean that residents do not receive adequate attention for their basic needs, such as eating, bathing, and mobility assistance. Staff can fail to respond to health issues or medication needs in time, causing residents to suffer potentially life-threatening effects.
Feelings of neglect and isolation can lead to emotional distress, loneliness, and a sense of abandonment. This is particularly distressing for those who may already be dealing with cognitive impairments or other health issues. Furthermore, the stress and overwork faced by the limited staff can result in instances of abuse. Caregivers may inflict physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse upon the residents in their care, compromising not only their immediate safety but also causing long-term psychological and physical trauma.
What to Do If Your Loved One Suffers Abuse at a Nursing Home
If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of abuse in a nursing home, immediate action is crucial. Firstly, relocate your loved one to a safe environment and, if necessary, take them to the hospital to address their immediate medical needs. Abuse in nursing homes can manifest in various forms and it’s vital to document any signs or evidence of mistreatment.
Once your loved one is safe, contact a nursing home abuse attorney in Milwaukee to discuss your legal options. By filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit, your loved one can recover compensation to pay for their medical care, pain and suffering, and other damages.
A Milwaukee personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options in this situation and hold the nursing home accountable for your loved one’s mistreatment. Take the first step to justice and get in touch with a Milwaukee nursing home abuse attorney today.