As Americans age, many do not have family members who are able to take them in and care for them on a full-time basis. Many families turn to nursing homes and assisted living facilities that employ trained professionals that are able to provide the round-the-clock care their loved ones need. Sadly, some nursing homes are poorly run and managed and problems like understaffing can sometimes lead to instances of nursing home neglect.
A lawsuit has been filed against the owners of one nursing home facility alleging that understaffing lead to the abuse and neglect of residents. The five individuals who filed the lawsuit claim residents are overmedicated and often left unattended for long period of time in soiled garments which leads to bed sores and pressure sores.
Additionally, the lawsuit alleges inadequate staffing aided in four residents being sexually assaulted. During the assaults, the residents even called out for help, but no one was around to hear them.
The nursing home most recently received a three star out of five rating by The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services which is considered average. Staffing is one of the factors considered in the rating process.
In addition to bringing justice to the five individuals who filed the lawsuit, their attorney hopes the lawsuit can also help bring about change with how nursing homes are operated. She asserts that nursing home owners “have a powerful incentive to save money by cutting staffing, which can put residents at risk”.
Nursing home residents deserve quality treatment and should be respected and well cared for. Family members in Alabama who believe their loved ones may be subject to neglect by nursing staff may want to consult an attorney.
Source: Mercury News, “Suit alleges neglect of residents at San Pablo nursing home,” Robert Rogers, June 29, 2012
