If your parents are in a nursing home, it has been a worrying few months. With the care home industry clamoring for immunity, it is crucial to remember that people suffering in nursing homes is nothing new. Injuries and deaths have been happening for years. Nursing home neglect and abuse have always been an issue.
70% of nursing homes in the U.S. are run for profit, according to the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Like any businesses where the primary aim is to make money, those in charge make choices: Take better care of the people in the homes, or please the shareholders. You may have believed long-term care facilities are owner-operated places but corporations own over half.
Many homes have lacked adequate staffing for years. Much of the neglect or abuse is allowed to continue because owners do not want to pay what it costs to employ enough people. Most workers are kind-hearted and try hard to look after those in their care, but they are not superhuman. If you are tired from covering extra shifts, and trying to cover two people’s roles, the quality of work you do suffers.
When the odd abusive care worker gets a job at an adequately staffed home, other people can notice their abusive behavior and stop it. Where there are staff shortages, they are less likely to be caught.
If your fear your parent is suffering abuse or neglect in their nursing home, seek legal advice. It is essential to put a stop to it and hold someone responsible.
