When most people consider nursing home negligence or nursing home abuse, they think of their loved ones being actively mistreated or neglected by the staff of a nursing home, who are either malicious in their intent or simply too apathetic to provide the necessary care. While there are certainly tragic instances in which nursing home staff actively abuse or mistreat residents, there are also instances in which the staff is simply incapable of providing the necessary care.
Money can be a very powerful motivator, and some nursing homes attempt to save money by hiring as few employees and staff members as possible. Unfortunately, nursing home residents require a great deal of care, and some require more care than others, which can make it difficult to determine just how large a staff you will need. Lack of staffing can then lead to neglect simply by virtue of time and resources.
If your loved one lives in a nursing home that is understaffed, the staff members may be working as hard as they can, but they might still be unable to provide every resident with the care they need for their health concerns. Even simple things like food and water may be withheld simply because the staff members cannot make it to every room throughout the course of a day. If your loved one is being neglected due to understaffing, you should know that you have rights.
Just like any other form of nursing home negligence, you can file a claim for any injuries or health effects suffered due to negligent care. Nursing homes have a very high duty of care owed to their residents, and failing to uphold that duty due to inadequate staffing can mean that the nursing home is liable for some injuries. If you live in Massachusetts, and you believe that your loved one is being mistreated at a nursing home, visit our webpage to learn how we can help you file a claim.