Poor nursing home care may be more likely for African Americans

A study published in the current issue of Health Affairs indicates that black residents of nursing homes may be more likely to receive poor care than whites.  Approximately 60% of black nursing home residents in the United States are in under 10% of the facilities, and most of those facilities have previously been cited for providing substandard care which could result in bed sores, dehydration, malnutrition and other nursing home injuries.

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Data involving over 800,000 seniors at 7,000 nursing homes in 147 different metropolitan areas was reviewed by researchers from Temple University.  They found that African American nursing home residents were nearly twice as likely as white nursing home residents to be placed in a facility which was eventually removed from Medicaid coverage due to poor care. 

Researchers indicate that inner city hospitals which treat many African American seniors often discharge patients quickly to facilities with open beds who accept patients covered by Medicaid.  Nursing homes which rely heavily on Medicaid and other federal funding may be more likely to cut corners to increase profits, providing fewer staff members, poor training and inadequate equipment.

Nursing home abuse and neglect is a serious problem throughout the United States, but the findings that blacks may be more susceptible to poor care raises serious questions about the oversight and regulation of nursing homes in the U.S.  Researchers proposed that additional funding and oversight may be needed for nursing homes caring for impoverished patients.  In addition, families need to be aware that they do not have to accept a hospital’s recommendation for a nursing home placement if the home has a history of poor care.

The nursing home lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. represent victims of abuse and neglect throughout the United States.  Our main office is in Maryland, and according to the research Baltimore City nursing homes rank as the third worst in the standard of care afforded to elderly blacks.

If your loved ones have been injured due to nursing home negligence or abuse in any home, request a free claim evaluation.