Placing your an elderly family member in a nursing home is a big decision that is usually made because you want them taken care of and are unable to be yourself at home. Sadly, it's possible that elderly residents of understaffed nursing facilities are not as safe as you would think. A resident may suffer injuries or worse if a nursing home lacks the staff necessary to properly supervise and care for all of its residents. It's important to check on a loved one residing in a nursing home often to make sure they are receiving the care they need.

It's a fact proven by federal research that the majority of nursing homes in America are understaffed. Because of this issue, the health of nursing home residents and patients are at risk.

Due to understaffing, nursing homes have paid out millions of dollars to the families of patients who have suffered wrongful deaths or injuries or illnesses linked to the nursing home's understaffing.

Contact a NJ nursing home abuse lawyer as soon as possible if you become aware of any indications that your loved one has been neglected or has passed in the care of a nursing home and you suspect neglect. An attorney, such as the team at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law can assist you in making that determination.

Indications That Your Loved One's Nursing Home Is Understaffed

If your loved one is in a nursing home, they likely require care from the staff on a regular basis. When they do not, this is negligence on the part of the nursing home. There are warning signs to be aware of. Residents living in nursing facilities with insufficient staff may run the risk of: 

• Falls: If an elderly person falls, they risk suffering serious injuries. Nursing home residents who need to stand up but can't get assistance they need could risk falling if they try to do it on their own. 
• Wandering: This is a common symptom of diseases like Alzheimer's and dementia. To prevent an elderly person from leaving the nursing home and wandering off and getting hurt or into danger, these patients should be closely watched. If an elderly person escapes from their nursing home facility, call the police right away. 
• Medication mistakes: This is more likely to occur when staff workers are expected to provide medications to a large number of patients quickly while also adhering to other caregiving duties. 
• Skin damage: Seniors who are bedridden may get skin problems, such as bedsores, if they are not turned or cleaned regularly. 
• Missed health changes: A change in your loved one's health condition or level of mental alertness may go unreported in a care facility with a lack of staff. This could indicate that a major issue is not identified in time for adequate treatment.

Nursing Home Staffing Law in New Jersey 

Nursing facilities in New Jersey have to adhere to more stringent staffing regulations, as of February 2021. According to the new rules, nursing homes in New Jersey must have one certified nursing assistant (CNA) for every eight residents during day shifts, one direct caregiver for every ten people during evening hours, and one for every fourteen for overnight shifts. The direct caregivers who provide care during the evening and overnight hours may be CNAs, licensed practical nurses, or registered nurses, provided that at least half are CNAs.

Speak with a NJ Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer

The safety of nursing home residents is a priority for us at Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law. Our team of nursing home abuse attorneys will make every effort to assist you and your family in seeking the compensation you are entitled to, after experiencing injury as a result of understaffing.

Call us today to schedule an appointment for a free consultation.