Nursing home conditions in the United States have worsened significantly as the aging population has continued to increase. As a Georgia resident, here are some important things you should know about nursing home negligence.
The issue of understaffing in nursing homes
It is possible and, in some cases, profitable for nursing home negligence to continue by understaffing facilities. The regulatory system responsible for ensuring that nursing homes are safe doesn’t always protect residents. On paper, federal regulations set a high standard for the quality of care in nursing homes. Nursing home facilities are technically required to ensure that all residents receive customized care in keeping with professional statutes of practice. According to regulations, no resident should endure harm or injury that is avoidable, but a chronic lack of staff can lead to negligence.
How the government is responding
States are obligated to enforce rules pertaining to nursing home abuse and are required to send auditors into nursing homes every 15 months. However, some people view this as an enforcement scheme since the regular evaluations have not offered protection to residents.
The House Ways and Means Committee has held several hearings concerning the role of private equity in nursing homes. Investors know that nursing homes are profitable and purchase these facilities for financial gain. In some cases, this means that individuals who live in nursing homes are not receiving prioritized care since the focus is simply on covering operational costs.
If you or a loved one has been a victim of nursing home negligence, speak with a qualified attorney. A legal professional may explain your rights and let you know if you are eligible to file a claim.