The Impact of Understaffing on Resident Care Quality
Our Pennsylvania attorneys fight for justice for residents and their families
Thinking about admitting your loved one in a nursing home in Pennsylvania? First, look into the resident care quality and staff-to-resident ratio. Understaffing in nursing homes impacts the quality of care residents receive. It often leads to unmet needs, higher risks of harm, and cases involving nursing home abuse and neglect.
In 2024, the issue of understaffing in U.S. nursing homes remains serious. A survey by the American Health Care Association revealed that 99% of nursing homes have open positions, with 89% actively seeking registered nurses. Additionally, 72% report staffing levels below those prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
What causes understaffing in nursing homes?
Staffing shortages don’t happen overnight. Several factors contribute to this ongoing issue. These include:
Budget and financial issues
Many nursing homes operate with tight budgets. Facilities may limit hiring to cut costs, which often leaves current staff overworked. Low wages and limited benefits also discourage skilled workers from applying.
A 2023 survey by the American Health Care Association found that 60% of nursing homes are experiencing financial loss, and 53% can’t function on their current budgets and pace for more than a year.
High turnover rates
Caregiver roles often involve long hours and physical demands. Many staff leave due to burnout or better opportunities. This creates a cycle where fewer caregivers manage heavier workloads, which leads to even more turnover.
According to a report from the Home Care Association of America, the median turnover rate for professional caregivers increased from 77.1% in 2022 to 79.2% in 2023. This marked the highest rate since 2018.
Hiring challenges
Facilities often struggle to find qualified workers. Low unemployment rates and competition with hospitals make recruitment harder.
This shortage is particularly common in rural areas. Research from the Health Resources and Services Administration finds that nearly two-thirds of health professional shortage areas for primary care are in rural or partially rural areas.
How does understaffing impact resident care?
When nursing homes lack enough caregivers, residents often suffer. Staffing shortages can affect health, safety, and overall well-being.
Increased health risks
Limited staff and delays in medical attention often lead to higher rates of preventable health problems, including:
- Bedsores (pressure ulcers): Bedsores occur when pressure on the skin reduces blood flow and causes tissue damage. Inadequate staffing means fewer caregivers to reposition residents, increasing the risk of bedsores. However, research shows that higher nurse staffing levels are linked to lower rates of bedsores.
- Infections: Understaffed facilities may struggle to maintain cleanliness and monitor residents for signs of infection. This can lead to outbreaks of urinary tract infections and respiratory infections.
- Falls: Falls are a significant concern in nursing homes, often resulting in serious injuries. Adequate staffing allows for more supervision and assistance, reducing fall risk.
Reduced personal attention
Caregivers must manage many residents, leaving little time for individual needs. Tasks such as bathing, feeding, and medication checks may be rushed or skipped. Residents often feel neglected, which affects their emotional health.
Higher rates of burnout among staff
Overworked caregivers may experience fatigue and stress. This can lead to mistakes, such as incorrect medication doses or missed symptoms. Burned-out staff are also more likely to leave, worsening the problem.
What do nursing home staffing regulations require?
Federal and state laws set minimum staffing levels for nursing homes. These rules exist to protect residents and ensure safety.
Federal guidelines
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) mandates that nursing homes have licensed nurses on-site 24/7. However, there is no national standard for caregiver-to-resident ratios. This lack of fixed ratios means many facilities meet only the minimum requirements, potentially compromising care quality.
In April 2024, CMS finalized a rule requiring nursing homes to provide a minimum of 3.48 hours of nursing care per resident per day, including 0.55 hours from a registered nurse. This rule also mandates 24/7 on-site registered nurse services.
State-specific regulations For Pennsylvania
In Pennsylvania, nursing home staffing regulations have undergone changes to enhance resident care. As of July 1, 2023, facilities were required to provide each resident with at least 2.87 hours of direct care per day. However, the requirement increased to 3.2 hours on July 1, 2024.
What can be done to address understaffing?
Addressing staffing shortages requires effort from nursing homes, policymakers, and communities. Here are some potential solutions:
- Improving pay and benefits: Offering competitive wages and better benefits attracts qualified workers. Facilities with fair compensation see lower turnover rates and better care outcomes.
- Supporting professional growth: Programs for caregiver training and advancement encourage staff retention. Workers are more likely to stay when they feel valued and see long-term opportunities.
- Embracing technology: Tools such as automated medication dispensers and electronic health records reduce caregiver workloads and free up time for direct resident care.
What should I do if I suspect nursing home abuse or neglect in Pennsylvania?
If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect in Pennsylvania, it’s important to act promptly to protect the well-being of your loved one. You can report your concerns to certain state agencies who can investigate further.
When reporting, provide as much detail as possible, including the names of individuals involved, the facility’s name and location, and specific incidents or observations. Reports can be made anonymously, and reporters are protected from retaliation.
Here is who to report your concerns to:
- Elder Abuse Helpline: The Pennsylvania Department of Aging operates a 24/7 helpline for reporting suspected abuse or neglect of older adults, whether they reside at a nursing home or in another care facility. Call 1-800-490-8505 to make a report.
- Department of Health Complaint Form: If the issue pertains specifically to a healthcare facility, such as a nursing home, you can file a complaint with the Pennsylvania Department of Health. This can be done online, via email, or by mail.
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program: The Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for residents of long-term care facilities, and it addresses concerns related to residents’ quality of life and care.
Let us be the advocates your family deserves
If your loved one’s safety and health have been compromised in a Pennsylvania nursing home, don’t let the negligence go unchallenged. The nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys at Hal Waldman & Associates are experienced in handling cases like yours. We’re committed to ensuring negligent facility staff and administrators are held accountable when residents are harmed.
We’ve reached several positive case outcomes in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. That includes a $110,000 settlement for a nursing home fall and a $70,000 settlement in a similar case. With us on your side, you can focus on your loved one’s recovery while we handle every aspect of your case.
Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t pay any legal fees unless we get maximum compensation for you and your loved one. Plus, we offer free consultations so you can ask questions, discuss your legal options, and determine if we’re a good fit for your case.
To get the experienced and compassionate legal support your family deserves, contact us online or call our Pittsburgh law office to set up your free, no-obligation case consultation.
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