It’s understandable for many adults in Virginia to lack the time, resources or both to care for their aging parents. Sometimes, these busy adults have no choice but to place their parents in nursing homes. Many nursing homes throughout the state provide exceptional care to residents. However, nursing home complaints remain an ongoing problem that a recent study aimed to learn more about.
The data behind this study
Recently, a nonprofit organization called the Long Term Care Community Coalition took an in-depth look into nursing home complaints. This organization examined over 100 official complaints aimed at U.S. nursing homes from 2017 to 2022. This organization’s research found that many nursing home residents feared staff would retaliate against them for making complaints.
The organization behind this study fears worried nursing home residents might also be underreporting instances of nursing home neglect and abuse. One nursing home resident’s complaint noted a fear of reporting a nursing home because it “backfires” and recalling times when “staff became aggressive.”
A potential solution to this problem
Researchers noted that one cause of poor nursing home conditions involves employee treatment. It’s no secret that some nursing homes face staffing problems, leaving their current employees overworked and potentially underpaid. Experts believe that educating and training nursing home staff on the harm caused by retributive statements could improve relationships between caregivers and patients. Placing stricter standards and requirements on new hires could also help reduce retaliation.
Regardless of what challenges a nursing home and its employees face, no patient deserves neglect or to live in fear. If you suspect your loved one is a victim of retaliation, it’s time to move them to a new care facility.