Throughout the country, almost 15,000 nursing homes accept payments and benefits from Medicaid and Medicare. Out of those homes, almost 10,000 are for-profit facilities, 4,000 are non-profit, and the government owns 1,000. These facilities will have 100 to 200 beds on average, with the next highest amount of beds in a nursing home being 50 to 99 beds. To receive benefits from Medicaid and Medicare, nursing homes need to follow strict guidelines set by the CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services).
Every facility is then rated based on its performance in different factors such as Quality Measures, Staffing, and Health inspections. Here, we discuss some of the most common violations of abuse and neglect committed by nursing home facilities, along with how the Trump administration has cut fines for the health violations that occur in nursing homes.
Failure to Conduct Health Inspections
Hundreds of elderly individuals residing in close quarters can be susceptible to the rapid spread of illnesses. Consequently, nursing homes may face fines for inadequate facility hygiene or improper sterilization of equipment. Every nurse must meet basic health requirements and possess the ability to administer medications in appropriate dosages. Additionally, drugs must be labeled, separated, and securely stored. Furthermore, inspectors frequently consider the residents’ entitlement to a safe environment, free from neglect and abuse, while ensuring compliance with dietary, nutritional, and pharmaceutical standards.
Failure to Monitor Their Patients
If there is an elderly member at risk of falling, the nursing home is responsible for taking certain measures. For example, there should be more extensive monitoring for that patient to make sure that they don’t fall from dizziness due to medication side effects and other factors. Research has shown that 16% to 27% of falls in nursing homes occur because of hazards in their environments, such as slippery floors and poor lighting. As such, nursing homes must provide their residents with a safe environment, including installing handles and safety rails for them to hold onto.
Failure to Get Enough Staff
Experts assert that nurse staffing significantly influences the quality of life for nursing home residents. Insufficient staffing can lead to inadequate care for the elderly, resulting in delays in medication administration, meals, and bathroom breaks. Moreover, staff may overlook symptoms of illness or fall risks. Additionally, nursing homes with overburdened nurses often experience stress, overwork, and an increased likelihood of errors. Consequently, nursing homes that employ a higher number of staff members witness fewer hospitalizations among their residents.
Cutting Fines for Health Violations in Nursing Homes
Regrettably, the Trump administration chose to reduce fines for nursing homes that endanger or harm residents. Federal records indicate that the average fine decreased from $41,260 in 2016 during President Obama’s last year in office to $28,405 under President Trump’s leadership. Robyn Grant, the director of public policy and advocacy at the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care, commented, “When the fine fails to hold significance, care usually does not improve.”
What to Do If You Suspect Neglect
Suppose you suspect neglect, contact Gallon, Takacs & Boissoneault for a free consultation at 419-843-6663 or find us online. Discuss your situation with an experienced Ohio and Michigan personal injury attorney.
Michael Bell, is Partner and Personal Injury Attorney at GT&B since 2007. His entire career has been committed to protecting the rights of those injured through no fault of their own. Mike concentrates his practice in the areas of car wrecks, trucking accidents, medical negligence, wrongful death, birth injuries, defective products, nursing home abuse & neglect, dog bites, construction accidents and slip & falls.
