Report Gives Failing Grade To New York For Nursing Home Care
Allegations commonly cited in a nursing home abuse lawsuit are horrifying — especially for those with loved ones living in such a facility. While it can be very difficult to know which nursing homes provide excellent care to residents and which fall short, a new report by non-profit elder advocacy group, Families for Better Care, has recently been released and may help with the process. According to CBS News, the report compiles state-by-state reviews of nursing home care and ranks and grades states based on 2012 federal data combining staffing, inspections, deficiencies, and complaints. This brings to light the growing concerns that families have about putting loved ones who can no longer care for themselves in a nursing home.
Nursing home report results
Eleven states received failing grades in the Families for Better care report, according to CBS News. This includes Texas, Louisiana, Indiana, Oklahoma, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, Michigan, Nevada, Illinois and Iowa.
The report did have some positive findings, granting nursing home care quality “A” grades in 10 states. This includes Alaska, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Hawaii, Oregon, Maine, Utah, Idaho, South Dakota and North Dakota.
“States whose nursing homes employed an abundance of professional nurses and frontline caregivers translated to higher marks,” states the report.
A shocking need for additional caregivers was revealed, showing that only seven states provided each resident with more than one hour of professional nursing care each day. The report found that 96% of states offered residents less than three hours of direct care each day. These findings are appalling to families who place their loved ones in the care of nursing homes, believing they’re being attentively cared for.
The report also found that the majority of nursing homes had been cited with a deficiency, with a whopping 90% discovered to have past violations. Findings also included the fact that 1 in 5 nursing homes abused, neglected, or mistreated residents in almost half of all states.
Signs of nursing home abuse
Spotting nursing home abuse can be challenging. One clear sign to look out for is if staff are hesitant to leave residents alone with visiting friends and family, or downright refuse to do so. This could be a sign they know they’re guilty of mistreating residents and don’t want to give them the chance to divulge details to visitors; in such a case they might be at risk for facing a nursing home abuse lawsuit and possibly arrest.
Signs of elder abuse in a nursing home may include:
- Bed sores
- Unexplained bruises or burns
- Fractured bones and frequent falls
- Weight loss due to dehydration and malnutrition
- Medication dosing mistakes
- Wandering away from the facility
- Evidence of physical or sexual assault
- Use of chemical or physical restraints
New York personal injury lawyers can represent you
If you or a loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse in New York, including in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and Long Island, we want to help you get the justice you deserve. Take the first step toward filing a nursing home abuse lawsuit today, by contacting us at 1.800 FAIR PLAY (800.324.7752) for a free case evaluation. Resources
- Families for Better Care, Nursing Home report Cards, http://nursinghomereportcards.com/key-findings/
- CBS News, Eleven states get failing grades for nursing home care, http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18563_162-57597944/eleven-states-get-failing-grades-for-nursing-home-care/
