According to multiple sources, including the Center for Medicare Advocacy, for-profit nursing homes are far more likely to provide insufficient quality of care for residents than non-profit nursing homes. The Center for Medicare Advocacy's website, which sites numerous studies, showed: "Extensive research finds that the type of nursing home ownership and sponsorship affects the quality of care that facilities provide to their residents." More specifically, the research concluded in 2011, via the first-ever analysis of the ten largest for-profit nursing home chains, reported between 2003 and 2008, "facilities owned by the top ten for-profit chains had:
For-Profit Nursing Homes: Widespread Problems Including Understaffing Results in Poor Quality of Care for Residents
The lowest staffing levels;
The highest number of deficiencies identified by public regulatory agencies; and
The highest number of deficiencies causing harm or jeopardy to residents."
In fact, after more than 80 studies were reviewed and analyzed, comparing the quality of care in for-profit and not-for-profit nursing facilities. Results conclusively showed not-for-profit facilities had better outcomes on four key measures of quality:
More or higher quality staffing;
Lower prevalence of pressure ulcers;
Lower prevalence of restraints; and
Fewer government-cited deficiencies.
When it comes to choosing a California nursing home for your loved elder, it is vital that you research the facility thoroughly. Understaffing in nursing homes is incredibly dangerous to California elders residing in long-term care facilities. That is precisely why specific laws and regulations have been put in place which mandate proper staffing of long-term care facilities.
Under California law, "The facility shall employ an adequate number of qualified personnel to carry out all of the functions of the facility," Health & Safety Code § 1599.1(a). Moreover, Health & Safety Code §1276.5-1276.65 mandates nursing homes must provide a minimum of 3.2 nursing hours per patient per day.
Unfortunately, many facilities choose to ignore this California law. Even worse, understaffing at nursing homes have been directly correlated to abuse, neglect, and substandard care of elders. Before selecting a nursing home for your loved elder ask plenty of questions, and conduct your due diligence. A checklist of questions you should ask about the Southern California nursing home you're considering for your loved elder can be found here.
If you believe that someone you know has been abused while residing in a California Nursing Home, contact an award-winning elder abuse attorney today.
Walton Law, APC is a San Diego based boutique law firm dedicated exclusively to representing injured parties in the areas of personal injury, nursing home abuse and neglect, and financial elder abuse. We only represent people - not insurance companies - and take pride in our reputation for obtaining full and fair compensation for our clients while providing personalized client service. If you believe another has abused an elder you know, contact us today to schedule a free consultation. All cases are taken on a contingency basis.