The Hidden Dangers of Understaffed Nursing Homes

 Posted on March 05, 2025 in Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect

Nursing homes are responsible for providing elderly residents with safe, attentive care. However, when these facilities are understaffed, each patient’s safety is at risk. Families trust these facilities to care for their loved ones, but what happens when there are not enough caregivers to meet residents’ needs? If a loved one has suffered due to nursing home abuse or neglect, a skilled Maryland personal injury attorney can help your family understand the legal options available for pursuing justice.

How Does Understaffing Lead to Elder Neglect?

When a nursing home does not have enough staff, caregivers are forced to handle more responsibilities than they can manage. As a result, elderly residents, many of whom have medical conditions or mobility limitations, are at risk of neglect. Residents may experience:

• Delayed or inadequate assistance with basic needs like bathing, dressing, and eating

• Missed or incorrect medication dosages, which can lead to serious health complications

• A lack of supervision that increases the risk of falls and injuries

What Are the Consequences of a Caregiver Shortage?

Understaffed nursing homes do not just create minor inconveniences; they can lead to severe and even life-threatening consequences. For instance, medication errors may happen when overworked staff members make mistakes in administering prescriptions. When residents are left in soiled clothing for too long, they can suffer from painful or infectious bedsores. Malnutrition and dehydration may occur if caregivers are too busy to make sure that residents are regularly eating and drinking.

One of the most serious issues in an understaffed facility is an increased risk of falls and injuries. Without proper supervision, elderly residents may attempt to move on their own when they should not, which can leave them with broken bones or head injuries. In the worst cases, neglect can contribute to fatal health complications.

What Are a Nursing Home’s Legal Responsibilities in Maryland?

Maryland law requires nursing homes to have enough qualified personnel to provide proper care. If a nursing home fails to meet this standard, it may be held liable for elder neglect or abuse.

In addition to state regulations, the federal Nursing Home Reform Act makes it mandatory for facilities to have sufficient nursing staff to meet residents' health and safety needs. When nursing homes do not comply, families can take legal action.

What Can Families Do if a Loved One Is Suffering?

If a loved one has been neglected in a nursing home, families should take immediate action. Helpful steps to take include:

• Documenting any signs of neglect, such as unexplained injuries, weight loss, or poor hygiene

• Speaking with facility management to report the concerns

• Filing a complaint with the Maryland Office of Health Care Quality (OHCQ) if the issue is not addressed

• Consulting with a nursing home abuse lawyer to explore legal options and hold the facility accountable

Contact a Washington County, MD Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer

Understaffed nursing homes put elderly residents at risk of serious danger. If your loved one has suffered due to elder neglect, a Hagerstown, MD nursing home abuse attorney at Serafini Law can help. As a solo practitioner, Attorney AJ Serafini will give your case all of his personal attention. Contact Serafini Law at 240-744-1600 for a free consultation and learn more about our services.