Nursing homes are entrusted with caring for some of society's most vulnerable individuals, yet many fail to fulfill this duty. Our elders deserve top-tier care, yet the nursing home industry often fails to meet this standard, especially with the rise of private equity firms and increasingly complex ownership structures. Unfortunately, for-profit nursing homes often care more about making money, which can result in substandard conditions that foster abuse and neglect in their facilities.
What is a for-profit nursing home?
A for-profit nursing home is a facility where elderly or disabled individuals reside and receive care, but its primary objective is to generate profits for its owners or shareholders. In contrast to non-profit nursing homes that reinvest surplus funds to enhance services or support their mission, for-profit facilities operate as commercial enterprises.
Often part of larger corporate chains or owned by private companies, these nursing homes generate revenue from resident fees, government reimbursements, and occasionally private insurance. According to CBS News, over 70% of the approximately 15,000 nursing homes in the U.S. are operated by entities focused on financial gain.
The reality of for-profit facilities
The operational focus of for-profit nursing homes revolves around financial gains, influencing various aspects of their care provision, including:
- Staffing levels: For-profit facilities often operate with lower staffing ratios to minimize costs, potentially compromising patient care and emergency response times.
- Quality of care: Financial pressures can lead to reduced investments in training and resources, impacting the overall quality of care provided to residents.
- Facility upkeep: Maintenance and infrastructure improvements may be deferred or neglected when allocating resources toward profit margins, affecting residents' living conditions and safety.
- Availability of special services: Non-essential services and specialized care options may be limited or unavailable as facilities prioritize cost-effective care models over comprehensive service offerings.
In addition to these factors, recent incidents at a facility in California highlight concerns raised by employees. At Berkley East Healthcare Center in Santa Monica, a resident who had been labeled a fall risk fell and needed to be rushed to the emergency room.
Another resident with low blood sugar levels was hospitalized after not receiving their life-saving medication. Berkely, a for-profit facility, has seen a decline in patient care according to past and current employees. Some examples of negligence employees witnessed include:
- Medication administration: Instances where patients received medications late, potentially compromising treatment effectiveness and patient health.
- Delayed lab results: Reports of delayed lab results indicate inefficiencies in medical management and diagnostic processes, affecting timely treatment and care planning.
Nursing facility residents at risk
Nursing facility residents are often at heightened risk due to the profit-driven priorities of these facilities. This focus on financial gain can result in various forms of neglect and abuse, including:
Poor hygiene
Residents may experience inadequate bathing, grooming, and access to clean clothing, leading to discomfort and potential health issues.
Insufficient nutrition
Some residents may receive substandard or inadequate food, contributing to malnutrition and associated health complications.
Physical abuse
Instances of physical harm, such as hitting, pushing, or improper restraint use, can occur, endangering residents' safety and well-being.
Emotional abuse
Verbal harassment, threats, or deliberate isolation tactics can cause profound emotional distress among residents.
Inadequate pain management
Residents might not receive appropriate pain relief, resulting in unnecessary suffering and diminished quality of life.
Medication errors
Errors in administering medications can lead to serious health risks and complications, highlighting systemic flaws in medical management and patient safety protocols.
Hold negligent nursing homes accountable with Kurle Justus, LLC
It's devastating when nursing home residents suffer abuse and neglect because for-profit facilities prioritize money over their well-being. At Kurle Justus, LLC in Decatur, Georgia, our legal team understands the importance of seeking justice and compensation for these victims.
Our nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys have successfully fought for victims of nursing negligence, including a $400,000 settlement for a case involving nursing home abuse, neglect, and wrongful death.
If you suspect your loved one has suffered abuse or neglect in a Georgia nursing facility, don't hesitate to consult with an experienced nursing home neglect lawyer who can provide the support and representation your family needs. Contact us today to learn how we can help with your potential legal case.