The 10 Most Harmful Issues in Nursing Homes

As our population continues to age, nursing homes have become a common solution for families who are unable to provide the care needed for ...

As our population continues to age, nursing homes have become a common solution for families who are unable to provide the care needed for their elderly loved ones. While many nursing homes provide excellent care, there are still many harmful problems that exist in some facilities. These problems are entirely preventable, which is why it’s so tragic how common they are. If we educate ourselves on the issues and their roots, we can take better action to prevent them and improve the lives of our county’s seniors.

1. Understaffing

Understaffing is a pervasive problem in many nursing homes. When there are not enough staff members to provide adequate care, there may end up being a lack of attention to residents' needs, including medical and personal care needs. This can also create an environment that breeds neglect, abuse, and other forms of mistreatment. If you suspect that a loved one has suffered abuse in an assisted living facility, you should seek the help of a nursing home abuse attorney.

2. Medication Errors

Medication errors are another harmful problem in nursing homes. Common medication errors include administering the wrong medication, administering the wrong dosage, and failing to administer medication at all. Mistakes like these are especially dangerous to residents since incorrect medications and dosages can harm the effectiveness of their medications and cause their conditions to worsen. These errors can lead to serious health complications, including hospitalization and even death.

3. Malnutrition and Dehydration

Malnutrition and dehydration are common problems in nursing homes, particularly among residents who are unable to feed themselves or who have difficulty swallowing. These issues can lead to a range of health problems, including weakness, fatigue, and an increased risk of infection.

4. Falls and Injuries

Falls and injuries are a significant problem in nursing homes, particularly among residents who have mobility issues. These incidents can lead to serious health complications, including broken bones, head injuries, and even death.

5. Infection Control

Infection control is a critical issue in nursing homes, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. When infections spread in nursing homes, residents may experience serious health complications and even death. In addition, infections can lead to facility-wide outbreaks that impact staff members and visitors. If staff members do not appropriately monitor and care for the infections of residents, the infections could worsen, turn septic, and prove potentially fatal to the resident.

6. Inadequate Hygiene

Inadequate hygiene is another harmful problem in nursing homes. Many elderly residents are unable to maintain their hygiene themselves, and staff members may not have the time or resources to assist with these tasks. This can lead to infections, skin breakdown, and other health issues.

7. Lack of Physical Activity

Lack of physical activity is another harmful problem in nursing homes. Many residents are unable to move around as much as they would like, which can lead to muscle weakness, joint stiffness, pressure sores, and other health issues. This can also negatively impact mental health, as physical activity is important for overall well-being.

8. Poor Communication

Poor communication is another harmful problem in nursing homes. Many residents and their families feel that they are not kept informed about their care or that their concerns are not taken seriously. This can lead to frustration, confusion, and a lack of trust in the nursing home staff.

9. Lack of Dignity and Respect

Lack of dignity and respect is another harmful problem in nursing homes. Many residents feel that they are not treated with the respect and dignity that they deserve, which can lead to feelings of worthlessness and depression. This can also negatively impact physical health, as a lack of dignity and respect can lead to a lack of motivation to participate in care.

10. Lack of Individualized Care

Lack of individualized care is another harmful problem in nursing homes. Many residents feel that their care is not tailored to their specific needs, which can lead to frustration and a lack of trust in the nursing home staff. This can also negatively impact physical and mental health, as individualized care is important for overall well-being.

Conclusion

In conclusion, nursing homes provide an important service for many elderly residents and their families. However, several harmful problems exist in some facilities. By addressing these problems, nursing homes can provide better care and improve the quality of life for their residents. This requires a commitment to training, education, and ongoing monitoring and evaluation. With these efforts, nursing homes can become a safe and nurturing environment for our aging population.