How Nursing Home Understaffing Increases Abuse
The number of nursing homes that continue to operate despite being understaffed would baffle most people. What makes matters worse is that understaffing is associated with nursing home abuse. There are various reasons understaffing happens, but the important thing is to recognize early signs of abuse and take action to stop this from happening. One way you can take action is by filing a lawsuit against the nursing home. Talk to a Central New York Nursing Home Negligence Lawyer if you or a loved one has suffered personal injuries after abuse from nursing home staff.
Effects of Nursing Home Understaffing
It seems that more and more nursing homes are understaffed in the United States. Considering that understaffed nursing homes tend to have higher rates of abuse to their residents, this is an important 
issue to address. Less staff means less monitoring of patients and less monitoring of other staff members who take advantage of and abuse nursing home residents.
There are various ways understaffing can lead to increased rates of nursing home abuse. One of these reasons involves fatigue and stress. Since there are less staff available, more pressure is placed on individual staff members to work overtime and take on more tasks than one person can usually handle. This can lead to resentment, especially if they are underpaid, and this on top of fatigue from overworking can lead to aggressive lashing out. This tends to manifest itself in physical abuse to noncompliant or aggressive patients.
As many as 46% of staff members reported missing significant changes in patients because of the overworking problem. This can lead to neglect and medical malpractice when serious medical symptoms are missed.
Signs of Nursing Home Abuse
Recognizing early signs of nursing home abuse is key to putting a stop to the damage being inflicted on you, your loved one, or other residents. Physical abuse is often easier to spot because of injuries like bruises, broken bones, and damaged possessions. When asked about the abuse, some people may act withdrawn or initially deny your questions. This is a sign of fear of future abuse. They may also act differently, like being easily startled.
Some may exhibit other changes in behaviors like refusing medications, pleading for you to stay longer, or changing their behaviors when a staff member enters. When it comes to neglect, look for bed sores, excessive weight loss, and poor hygiene.
Nursing Home Negligence Attorney in New York
Handling a nursing home abuse situation can be distressing for almost anyone. The thought that anyone could do this to our loved one can be overwhelming. Despite the suspected causes of nursing home abuse, taking legal action is one of the first steps to ending future abuse and earning the compensation you deserve. Talk to a Cortland Personal Injury Lawyer if you are ready to take this next step.
At Gattuso & Ciotoli, we have years of experience with a variety of personal injury cases. You can contact us today at (315) 314-8000 for a free consultation. Our offices are located in Central New York, Syracuse, Watertown, Binghamton, Syracuse, North Syracuse, Camillus, Liverpool, Cortland, and Auburn.