Title: Nursing Home Understaffing - Causes, Risks and Consequences
Headings: Nursing Home Understaffing
Nursing Home Understaffing
Nursing Home Understaffing Reasons
Impact of Overtime
Nursing Home Understaffing Consequences
Immobile Patient Consequences
Neglect of Needs
Abuse of Patients
Prevalence of Nursing Home Understaffing
Preventing Nursing Home Understaffing
Handling Understaffing Consequences

Content: Nursing Home Understaffing Consequences
The consequences of nursing home understaffing are numerous, and may vary according to patient needs. Neglect and abuse become more common as the patient to staff ratio increases. The neglect and abuse suffered by patients can cause physical ailments, psychological disorders, and even death. Nursing home understaffing may also contribute to psychological disorders among staff members, as stress escalates. Immobile Patient Consequences
Many patients that are housed in nursing homes have limited mobility, and are dependent on caregivers for movement and physiological needs. Understaffing can make it impossible for staff members to turn and move patients as often as necessary to prevent bedsores and muscle atrophy. This can lead to painful skin conditions and infections. Neglect of Needs
Patients depend on caregivers for food, bathing, medication, and grooming. If a patient is not bathed and groomed regularly, sores and infections can develop, especially if the patient is incontinent or needs assistance to use the bathroom. Understaffed nurses may have difficulty feeding and administering medications to all patients on a regular schedule.