Elder Neglect as a Result of Understaffing in Nursing Homes

Hayward, California Elder Care Lawyers

Many elders enter nursing homes because of their declining health. When their health declines even further, or faster, it can be difficult for family members to know if that decline is the inevitable result of aging — or if they are being neglected.

You may suspect neglect of your loved one in a long-term care facility if:

• He or she is losing weight and appears to be malnourished or dehydrated
• You have observed bedsores, which occur if a person is not turned frequently
• You see general uncleanliness in the facility or you repeatedly found your elderly loved one in unclean clothes or sitting in urine
• You have repeatedly observed that call lights go unanswered for 20 or 30 minutes or more, or people are left on the toilet unattended
• Your family member's bandages have not been changed regularly

Some nursing homes are operating on fewer staff than are necessary. Understaffing puts nursing home residents at risk.

If your family member has suffered an injury or premature death and you suspect neglect from nursing home understaffing, contact the elder law attorneys of the Law Offices of Suizi Lin. Call us at (510) 689-1988 for a free initial interview.

Understaffing means the existing staff are overworked and unable to provide a prompt response to the needs of frail seniors. They do not have time to ensure the senior is eating their meals or following their diet plan. They do not have time to check their medical condition. They may not be following the care plan or properly documenting care.

Overworked nurses are prone to make mistakes, including medication errors that can have deadly results.

Overworked and poorly trained staff may use restraints improperly when they have a patient who is belligerent or difficult to handle because of dementia or a medical condition.

The lawyers of the Law Offices of Suizi Lin are zealous advocates who will stand up for you and your family.

We handle elder abuse cases on a contingency fee-basis. That means we do not charge you a fee unless we get results for you.

To learn more about how we can help you after a family member has suffered neglect in a nursing home or long-term care facility, contact our Hayward law office by e-mail or call us at (510) 689-1988.