Statistics point to the fact that the elderly population of the United States is growing. In the next 30-plus years, the population of individuals over the age of 65 is set to increase above 83 million. Due to the fact that our elderly population is growing, more and more individuals may be requiring nursing home services. For this reason, it is vital that authorities in New Mexico and other regions of the United States strive to ensure that our loved ones are being cared for with the best possible services at nursing homes, and that nursing home neglect is avoided at all costs.
One common cause of nursing home neglect involves the chronic understaffing of nursing centers. In a recent matter that occurred in a neighboring state, for example, reporters were informed of staffing problems at a local nursing facility. Two employees of the organization and one resident reported staffing issues.
News reporters got in touch with the state’s Department of Health, and state regulators subsequently performed a detailed evaluation of the home. Allegedly, the investigation led to the conclusion that the home was indeed understaffed. The nursing home was fined and received several citations; nevertheless, the nursing home continues to deny any wrongdoing and says that the complaints were born out of an attempt to discredit the institution.
Complaining whenever one encounters instances of nursing home neglect is a vital part of preventing and putting a stop to such neglect in New Mexico. Understaffing at a nursing home can give rise to a lot of problems, from undetected and untreated illnesses, like bedsores, to residents not getting proper bathing treatment and other services. These issues can develop into injurious and fatal situations. Whenever a nursing home resident suffers injuries from such neglect, he or she may have a valid claim for financial restitution for those injuries in court. Restitution may include money for medical care services, disability, emotional turmoil, and other types of damages.
Source: fox23.com, “FOX23 Nursing Home investigation prompts inspections”, , July 17, 2014
