Chronic Shortages Are Still Impacting Nursing Home Residents Across Western PA
Across Pennsylvania, nursing homes and hospitals are still reeling from a healthcare staffing crisis that refuses to go away. While some improvements have been made, particularly among hospital staff, new data shows that long-term care facilities remain critically understaffed—and vulnerable residents are paying the price.
At Hal Waldman & Associates, our Pittsburgh nursing home abuse lawyers have seen the devastating results of these shortages firsthand. When there aren’t enough trained caregivers to go around, residents get neglected. Their safety suffers. Their health declines. And in the most heartbreaking cases, they’re abused by facilities that prioritize cost-cutting over care.
If your loved one has suffered because a nursing home failed to provide adequate staff, we’re here to hold them accountable.
Pennsylvania Facilities Are Limiting Care Due To Lack of Workers
A recent statewide survey by the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) confirms what many families already know: nursing homes are still dangerously short-staffed.
- More than 50% of long-term care facilities in Pennsylvania say they’ve had to limit admissions or reduce capacity due to staff shortages.
- 1 in 5 facilities report working with shuttered wings, waitlists, or reduced support services.
- 40% of nursing homes have had to postpone critical building improvements and renovations due to staffing shortfalls.
Many hospitals are facing similar pressures, with increased ER wait times, canceled procedures, and reduced bed availability. But for elderly residents in nursing homes—many of whom rely on staff for basic daily needs—the consequences can be immediate and life-threatening.
Understaffing Directly Leads To Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
When a facility doesn't have enough workers to provide proper care, residents suffer in ways most people wouldn’t believe unless they’ve lived through it. At Hal Waldman & Associates, we regularly hear from families who discover:
- Loved ones left unbathed for days or lying in their own waste
- Residents with untreated bedsores, unexplained injuries, or signs of dehydration and malnutrition
- Dangerous falls and wandering incidents that could have been prevented with proper supervision
- Overworked and underqualified staff taking out their frustration on vulnerable residents
In many of these cases, administrators knew they were understaffed and failed to act. Whether due to budget constraints, high turnover, or poor hiring practices, the result is the same: people suffer.
Progress Made—But Not Nearly Enough
The HAP survey noted that hospital turnover has improved—dropping by 19% in the past year thanks to wage increases and policy changes like flexible scheduling and childcare support. But nursing homes haven’t caught up.
More than half of Pennsylvania’s nursing homes still report 11 or more open staff positions—leaving residents without the help they need to stay safe, clean, and healthy.
This gap is unlikely to close without stronger accountability and legal pressure. That’s why it’s critical for families to speak up when something goes wrong.
Families Need Answers—Our Firm Can Help
At Hal Waldman & Associates, our lawyers know how to investigate claims involving understaffing, neglect, and abuse. Our attorneys build strong cases by uncovering internal records, tracking staff-to-resident ratios, and identifying patterns of neglect. If a facility failed to provide the care your loved one needed, we can help you seek justice.
We also understand the emotional toll this takes on families. We treat every client with compassion and respect, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way.
If Your Loved One Was Harmed, Talk To a Pittsburgh Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Today
No one should suffer because a facility failed to hire enough caregivers. If your family is facing the consequences of nursing home understaffing, don’t stay silent.
Contact Hal Waldman & Associates today for a free, confidential consultation. We’re here to listen—and we’re here to fight.
"Hands down the best law firm I have had the pleasure of working with. They set realistic expectations and are committed to the best outcomes for their clients." - Dawn D., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
