Inattentive Staff in Suffolk County Nursing Homes

Placing a loved one in a nursing home is often an emotional decision. People second guess themselves, wondering if it is the right thing to do. They expect that nursing home residents will receive the attention they need to enjoy life. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. If you believe a loved one is being neglected because of inattentive staff in Suffolk County nursing homes, consult an experienced nursing home abuse attorney to discuss your legal options.

What Does Inattentive Staffing Look Like?

New York State has laws governing nursing home staff. They stipulate staffing qualifications and the number of hours each resident should be monitored. Facilities with minimum medical professionals can become understaffed and may have difficulty retaining staff. The continuous turnover of nursing home employees increases the risk of inadequate training.

Inadequate or poorly trained staff may reduce the hours spent with individual nursing home residents in Suffolk County, which can result in the following:

Neglect

Many medications should be administered on a regular schedule for maximum benefit. When medical professionals do not deliver medications promptly, doses can be missed or given too closely. Some residents may have problems eating or require reminders to drink fluids, leading to dehydration and malnutrition.

Residents who require assistance with daily hygiene may not receive the prompt response they need. Simple grooming, such as washing and combing hair, can be bypassed, leaving residents depressed, angry, or frustrated.

Ignoring Physical Health Concerns

Inattentive staff may fail to report changes in a resident's condition. They may not spend sufficient time with their charges to observe changes in their physical health or may not record the observations. Residents who spend significant time in bed require changes in position to prevent pressure sores. When individuals are not moved as required, they can develop bedsores that can become infected and lead to serious illnesses.

Emotional and Mental Health

Placing loved ones in a community setting reduces the risk of depression and cognitive decline. Inattentive staff may fail to interact with residents or ensure they participate in activities. For example, a resident with limited mobility may need assistance to meet friends for a game of cards. If staff is unavailable, the resident becomes isolated from friends, leading to mental and emotional decline.

Reporting Nursing Home Neglect

The New York State Department of Health has a nursing home complaint hotline and an online complaint form for reporting nursing home abuse. The state also has a long-term care ombudsman program and adult protective services to help families and residents resolve issues and advocate for better care.

However, contacting experienced nursing home abuse lawyers could help Suffolk County residents and their families pursue compensation for harm caused by inattentive staff. They could help file the appropriate forms with the state, but more importantly, they could help gather evidence to support claims of neglect. They can also reach out to medical experts for their opinions on the standards of care, as well as speak with other residents or witnesses to the neglect.

Consult a Suffolk County Attorney After Harm From Inattentive Nursing Home Staff

Before moving a loved one into a nursing home, you researched facilities, talked to friends, and reviewed state reports. You selected the best possible solution for your loved one, only to discover that the Suffolk County nursing home staff is inattentive and your loved one could be hurt. Contacting a knowledgeable attorney is the first step in protecting your loved one's rights and pursuing compensation for any harm suffered as a result of neglect.