Nursing home understaffing in Illinois is a critical issue that can have devastating consequences for residents. When nursing homes do not have enough staff to provide proper care, it can lead to a wide range of negative effects on the well-being of the residents. If your loved one is in a nursing home experiencing the ill effects of understaffing, contact a lawyer in Illinois to ensure you do everything you can to pursue legal remedies in the situation.
Top Four Worst Effects of Understaffed Nursing Homes
- Neglect and abuse – One of the most concerning effects of nursing home understaffing is the elevated risk of neglect and abuse. When there are not enough staff members to properly care for residents, it can lead to unmet basic needs, such as food, water, and personal hygiene. This can result in residents suffering from malnutrition, dehydration, and poor hygiene, as well as an increased risk of physical, emotional, and financial abuse.
- Medication mistakes – Another serious consequence of nursing home understaffing is the higher likelihood of medication errors. With inadequate staffing levels, staff members may be rushed and overwhelmed, leading to mistakes in administering medications. This can result in residents receiving the wrong medication, the wrong dose, or medications at the wrong time, which can have serious health consequences and even be life-threatening.
- Increased falls and injuries – Nursing home residents are already at a higher risk of falls and injuries due to age and health conditions. However, understaffing exacerbates this risk by limiting the availability of staff to assist residents with mobility and daily activities. When there are not enough staff members to help residents move around safely, the likelihood of falls and injuries increases, leading to fractures, traumatic brain injuries, and other serious health problems.
- Decline in quality of life – Finally, nursing home understaffing can result in a decrease in the overall quality of life for residents. When there are not enough staff members to provide social interaction, emotional support, and engaging activities, residents may experience feelings of loneliness, isolation, and depression. This can have a significant impact on their mental and emotional well-being, leading to a worse quality of life.
Contact a Peoria County, IL Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney
If your loved one is being negatively impacted by understaffing at their nursing home, contact the knowledgeable Peoria, IL nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers with Nursing Home Injury Center. Call 309-524-6900 for a free consultation.
