Small nursing homes and independent facilities may provide better care
Two recent reports on the quality of care and quality of life for nursing home residents provide important information for families evaluating where their loved ones should live. To reduce the risk of nursing home neglect and improve the quality of life, the reports indicate that smaller nursing homes and not-for-profit facilities may be a better option.
>>INFORMATION: Nursing home injuries
The June 2007 Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, reports that residents who live at small-house nursing homes are generally more satisfied with their care and describe their quality of life better than those who live at larger nursing homes. The quality of life evaluation was determined by a measurement of meaningful activities, relationships, comfort, sense of security, self dignity, individuality, privacy and enjoyment of food.
Small nursing homes often have as few as 10 residents, with private bedrooms and bathrooms, shared home-style kitchens and common dining and recreational areas. They are staffed with nurses and provide regular access to the same professionals available at a traditional nursing home, such as physicians, social workers, diet experts, pharmacists and therapists. Nursing assistants are also provided for cooking, housekeeping, laundry and personal care.
The report found that the quality of care at small nursing homes was just as good as that provided in traditional nursing homes and the staff had a significantly higher level of job satisfaction and confidence in their ability to help the residents. The staff reported that their better knowledge of the residents improved the care they were able to render.
Last summer an analysis from Consumer Reports led to similar conclusions. The report indicated that not-for-profit nursing homes and independent nursing homes tend to provide better care than those run by companies which manage many facilities. The report analyzed state inspections for 16,000 nursing homes throughout the United States.
The nursing home lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. review potential lawsuits for residents of homes nationwide who suffered injuries as a result of nursing home neglect and abuse. In most cases, serious injuries which could have been prevented are directly associated with the nursing home placing profits before the care of the patients.
The underlying cause of many nursing home injuries is often linked to understaffing, poor training, lack of supervision or poor equipment upkeep. When nurses are given too many residents without proper knowledge and resources, neglect and abuse can occur.
If you suspect that a loved one’s injury was caused by negligent care or abuse, request a free nursing home lawsuit evaluation.
