Nursing home abuse is a growing concern in the United States. But neglect or abuse may be a greater issue with for-profit nursing homes. In fact, for-profit nursing homes were also found to be more likely to submit improper claims (30 percent of claims sampled from for-profit homes were improper compared to 12 percent from non-profit homes), according to information from the Department of Health and Human Services obtained by Bloomberg News.
Unfortunately, as these facilities overbill the government for services, patient care at for-profit care facilities may suffer.
Previous abuse/neglect cases involving for-profit nursing homes have included:
- unnecessary care;
- infections;
- malnutrition; and
- neglect including after leaving patients in soiled clothing for hours or not providing baths.
Problems Existing in For-Profit Nursing Homes
Whether the facility is for-profit or non-profit probably is not the first consideration a family makes when choosing a nursing home, but it may be a valid consideration in some cases. For-profit facilities are owned by investors, who are generally more interested in making money than supplying a service to a community. This could lead care to suffer in some cases. This may be the result of lower staffing or inadequate training.
Of course, a for-profit nursing home doesn’t always mean residents will receive poor care. Just as it is true the other way around; a non-profit facility doesn’t guarantee quality care. Any nursing home could potentially provide inadequate services to residents. In some cases, this may even include instances of abuse.
When family suspects that nursing home abuse or neglect has taken place, it’s important to take steps to look into it. If the signs are clear that a loved one has been seriously or fatally injured as a result of a facility’s negligence or the negligence or criminal actions of a staff member, then it might be beneficial to seek legal counsel.
Gacovino, Lake & Associates can provide legal guidance and assistance to families who suspect nursing home abuse or neglect has led to a loved one’s injuries or death. Call us: 800-246-4878.
