How Understaffing in Nursing Homes Harms Residents – Staffing Shortages, Real Consequences
Although it’s been over five years since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are still many long-term challenges that have yet to fully subside. One of the more obvious and devastating challenges within the healthcare industry is the issue of understaffing of caregivers and medical staff in nursing homes.
According to a 2024 study by the American Health Care Association, over 70% of nursing homes employ fewer staff members than they did during the pandemic. Unfortunately, for nursing home residents, this is not only a frustrating inconvenience; it means they are receiving inconsistent, lower-quality, or even outright neglectful levels of care.
In the sections below, we’ll break down the many factors contributing to the nursing home staffing shortage. We’ll also offer some tips to help you determine if understaffing is a potential issue at your loved one’s nursing home and what you can do if you suspect they are being neglected.
Why Understaffing is So Prevalent in Nursing Homes
While the pandemic itself is often blamed for the current lack of staffing in nursing homes, the truth is that it was more of a catalyst. The possibility of an industry-wide staffing shortage had been building for many years prior to 2020 due to a variety of systemic and economic factors. At the heart of the issue is a simple lack of incentive for new nurses and caregivers to enter the industry or for established nurses to retain their roles.
Caregivers are expected to help residents with countless day-to-day tasks, all while managing emergencies, addressing emotional needs, and maintaining strict safety protocols. Yet, despite the physical and emotional toll of these tasks, staff rarely make more than a living wage, and benefits are mostly nonexistent. This is largely the case within for-profit nursing homes, which have an incentive to keep labor costs low. In fact, studies have shown that for-profit facilities generally have lower staffing levels, provide fewer hours of care for residents, and have higher levels of staff turnover than government or non-profit facilities.
What Are the Risks of Understaffing for Nursing Home Residents?
When nursing homes are understaffed, residents face a higher risk of neglect, abuse, and preventable injuries. Staff who are stretched too thin may not have the time or energy to meet every resident’s needs. Overworked caregivers can make mistakes, overlook warning signs, or become frustrated, which can sometimes lead to mistreatment. Residents may also be assigned to new or inadequately trained staff who are not closely supervised, creating further safety concerns.
The impact on residents can be serious. Essential needs like meals, medications, or hygiene care may go unmet, leading to infections, malnutrition, bed sores, or other health complications. Even routine tasks, such as helping a resident from a bed to a wheelchair, can become risky if there are not enough caregivers, increasing the chance of falls and injuries.
What Families Can Do if They Suspect Understaffing
Being faced with the possibility that your loved one might not be getting the care they need can be incredibly stressful. If there are obvious signs of neglect or abuse, such as a serious injury or rapidly declining medical condition, call 911 immediately and request a medical evaluation. In these cases, it’s also important to contact a nursing home abuse law firm as soon as possible.
In other situations, where the signs of poor care are more subtle, the best thing you can do is stay engaged. This could be as simple as increasing the number of phone calls or visits you make to get a better picture of your loved one’s care. This is especially effective if done without notice, so that staff do not have time to hide any potential evidence. When you arrive, take note of any unusual physical signs such as unexplained bruising, weight loss, dehydration, or a decline in hygiene. Just as important is looking for any emotional signs, such as withdrawn behavior or anxiety, especially when certain staff members are nearby. This is often the most immediate sign that a resident is being mistreated.
It’s also worth observing the environment around your loved one. Is the facility clean and well-maintained? Do residents appear well cared for? Are call lights being answered promptly? If staff seem rushed, overwhelmed, or unavailable, it can be a sign that the nursing home is experiencing staffing issues. As you investigate further, it’s also a good idea to keep a written log of anything out of the ordinary, noting dates, times, and staff members on duty.
If you continue to notice concerning patterns, or if you feel unable to consistently monitor your loved one’s care, it’s a good idea to contact a nursing home abuse lawyer. They can help evaluate whether neglect or abuse is occurring and guide you through your legal options.
If Something Seems Wrong, Don’t Hesitate to Act
Regardless of whether there is a clear case for neglect or you simply have a nagging suspicion that something isn’t right, it’s always best to play it safe and take action. You don’t have to (and shouldn’t) wait for a medical emergency before getting involved. Increase your visits to your loved one (or ask others to check in for you) and document your concerns. If you continue to notice problems or are unsure how serious they may be, contact a nursing home abuse lawyer for guidance.
