The Impact of Staffing Levels on Nursing Home Neglect and Pressure Sore Development

The Impact of Staffing Levels on Nursing Home Neglect and Pressure Sore Development

Date: 29 September 2023 | Blog | Nursing Home Neglect | Bedsores | By: Sanga Turnbull

Everyone knows it's unrealistic to expect a handful of nursing staff to provide optimal care for a large number of residents in a nursing home. The correlation between staffing levels and nursing home neglect, particularly in the context of pressure sore development, is stark and significant. So, let's break down the various ways inadequate staffing impacts the overall health and well-being of our most vulnerable citizens.

The Domino Effect: Understanding the Chain Reaction

First thing's first—understaffing isn't just a numerical issue; it sets off a chain reaction of negative outcomes. Staff feeling rushed and overwhelmed can result in negligence, and in a nursing home setting, this negligence often manifests as pressure sore development among residents.

Skin Deep: Why Pressure Sores are a Big Deal

Pressure sores, also known as bedsores, aren't merely superficial skin problems; they can lead to serious complications such as infections and sepsis. Nursing staff should regularly reposition residents to prevent these sores, but this is a time-consuming task often skipped in understaffed facilities.

Staff Burnout: When the Caretakers Need Care

Burned-out staff can't provide top-notch care. The responsibilities of nursing staff are physically and emotionally demanding. When there aren't enough hands on deck, even the most dedicated caregivers can succumb to exhaustion, reducing their effectiveness and leading to oversights like neglecting to prevent pressure sores.

Resident-to-Staff Ratio: A Key Indicator

The resident-to-staff ratio is a critical metric in assessing the quality of care. A lower ratio is generally favorable, but only if the staff members are well-trained and adequately equipped to handle the needs of the residents, particularly in preventing issues like pressure sores.

Quality Over Quantity: Skillsets Matter Too

It's not just about numbers; the skill sets of the staff are equally essential. A team of well-qualified nurses trained in best practices for pressure sore prevention is far more effective than a larger yet less knowledgeable team.

The Vicious Circle: Understaffing Breeds More Understaffing

It may sound counterintuitive, but understaffing often results in more understaffing. How? High turnover rates. Overworked staff are more likely to quit, creating a vicious circle that further exacerbates the problem.

When it comes to nursing homes, understaffing is a deep-rooted issue that directly contributes to neglect and the development of pressure sores. Adequate staffing is not a luxury; it's a dire necessity. As the saying goes, "To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors," and it's high time we ensure that this care is not compromised due to inadequate staffing.

Call 407.612.6464 • 863.324.3500 today to speak with an experienced Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer who proudly serves Lakeland, Orlando, and throughout the State of Florida.