As we discussed in a prior article, a big nursing home chain in Pennsylvania is being sued by the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.
The lawsuit alleges that the homes promised to provide decent care for its residents, but failed to do so. It is alleged that the homes were understaffed which left residents “thirsty, hungry, dirty and unkempt.” Due to alleged staffing shortages, the basic needs of many residents were not met, such as taking them to the toilet or simply refilling a water glass.
The lawsuit also cites interviews with former employees and family members of residents who say that residents were denied proper baths and left in soiled clothes and bedding. Other allegations of abuse and neglect include leaving residents hungry because there was no staff to help them with eating. In addition, many residents developed pressure sores.
As a result of this lawsuit, the Pennsylvania Department of Health formed a task force to address growing allegations of understaffing and neglect in the state’s nursing homes. The task force will review the state’s nursing home operations over the next 6 months and develop improvements.
Understaffing in PA Nursing Homes
The allegations in the above nursing home abuse lawsuit are nothing new. There have been many reports of nursing home abuse and neglect in Pennsylvania nursing homes due to insufficient staffing.
Pursuant to Pennsylvania law, nursing homes must provide a minimum of:
- at least 2.7 hours of general nursing care provided in each 24-hour period per resident,
- at least 1 nursing staff employee per every 20 nursing home residents, and
- at least 2 nursing service employees must be on duty.
However, many homes do not provide the staffing required by law. When there is insufficient staffing, the quality of resident care declines because the certified nursing assistants (CNAs) are overworked and stressed. In turn, many PA nursing home residents are left suffering because they are not getting the proper care they need and deserve.
PA nursing home residents and their families have legal rights against the nursing homes if they are neglected or abused. They may recover financial compensation for the neglect and abuse they endured.
Pennsylvania & New Jersey Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers
Contact our lawyers for a free consultation for a nursing home abuse lawsuit in Pennsylvania or New Jersey. (215) 985-0777
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