NURSING HOME HARM
Understanding Nursing Home Injuries
A Staggering Problem in Nursing Homes
Each year, it is estimated that between 50 to 75 percent of nursing home residents suffer a fall. Proper supervision and safety oversight would prevent many of these falls.
Bedsores, or pressure ulcers:
These wounds often develop when a person is left in the same position for too long. Turning and repositioning – typically every 2-hours – relieves pressure and prevents what can be a very painful and life threatening wound. A nursing home resident is usually in the facility as they need assistance to accomplish this basic task.
Other Common Injuries:
Medication errors and physical abuse are common causes of injuries in nursing homes.
Questions to Ask:
If you or someone you care for resides in a nursing home, ask yourself:
- Have they been injured?
- Are they receiving the care they deserve?
- Why do injuries occur in nursing homes?
These are three of many difficult questions families are forced to ask. Sadly, nursing home harm, abuse, and neglect occurs with alarming regularity.
Bad Nursing Homes: “Playbook” Of Bad Owners And Operators
On August 25, 2025, New York State Attorney General Letitia James once again sanctioned bad nursing homes.
The findings are a “playbook” of the actions of bad owners and operators.
- Lack of staffing:
- Leads to lack of care
- Leads to harm and abuse
Staffing Levels Matter:
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has affirmatively stated that: Nursing home staffing has a significant impact on the quality of care that residents receive. Yet, the industry and many politicians routinely challenge efforts to increase the level of staffing in these facilities. The unfortunate result is nursing home understaffing leads to harm and abuse.
New York and New Jersey nursing homes are significantly deficient in providing nurse adequate staffing hours per resident day (HPRD). Additionally, on average, residents receive less than 30-seconds of mental health services per nursing home caregiver.
Serious Consequences:
More than 4 in 10 nursing home residents have Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or cognitive impairments. The nursing home knows that constant supervision and specialized care is why they were selected in the first place.
When Staffing is Insufficient:
- Falls are more likely as residents aren’t closely monitored.
- Bedsores develop as residents aren’t regularly repositioned.
- Medication errors increase as overworked staff struggle to safely administer treatments.
- Abuse and neglect can go unnoticed, leaving residents vulnerable to harm.
What To Look For When Visiting a Loved One at a Nursing Home
When visiting someone at a nursing home, whether as a family member, friend, or goodwill ambassador, there are observable signs that may indicate insufficient care.
Please feel free to print this checklist as a warning sign indicator.
Nursing homes receive Star Ratings (5 being the highest, and 1 being the lowest) for the following areas: Preventative Care, Quality of Care, Quality of Life, Resident Safety, Resident Status.
In addition to our checklist, we also suggest that you have your cellphone camera at the ready. Most importantly, is the “smell test”. When you walk into the facility, how are you greeted? Is the lobby warm and inviting, is there a pleasant, masked, or disturbing odor, what do you observe in the immediate vicinity?
However, the entry area is only a cover to the entire picture. It is more important what you see, hear and smell as you go about the facility. Observe staff… Are they pleasant, are residents presentable, are common areas clean, and so-forth. (We fully understand that maintaining a facility is demanding work, but with proper pay, oversight and staffing rarely should an issue arise.)
Speak with staff and other residents, show concern when speaking with the resident as there are telltale signs indicating a proper level of concern, view the common areas and check the residents’ room.
If you see a concern, make a notation on the checklist and take a picture or video.
If you see something, say something. Speak with the Unit Manager, Director of Nursing or the Administrator. You also have the right to file a complaint with the New York State Department of Health.
DID YOU KNOW…?
A recent report as published by The Guardian revealed that UnitedHealth Group “secretly paid nursing homes to reduce hospital transfers”. Nursing homes, as reported, were secretly paid bonuses for not sending residents to hospitals. The result: more money for the insurance company and nursing home, and needless harm and suffering by the victim.
Reported by NursingHome411.org, delayed oversight negatively affects the quality of care received in a nursing home.
Nursing Home Advocates
If you or someone you know is grappling with a difficult situation in a nursing home, please reach out. I am here to help you navigate these challenges and to advocate for your justice.
Should you have any question, please contact us toll free at 888 MY 911 LAW (888.699.1152), or by email through our contact form here. Thank you.
Learn more about Nursing Home Abuse in New York State
Our law firm is led by New York State injury attorney Jeffrey M. Adams, who has dedicated his legal practice to protecting and promoting the rights of injured individuals.
For over a half century, we have represented victims of dental malpractice, nursing home abuse and neglect, personal injury accidents and families of wrongful death victims. Our extensive experience enables us to quickly and effectively evaluate cases to determine their merit. Known throughout the legal community and insurance industry as a straight shooter, Mr. Adams provides honest case appraisals and educates his clients about their cases, enabling them to make informed decisions.
New York State and Northern New Jersey Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Advocates
If you or someone you know is injured, please consider contacting Adams Law Firm, P.C. We have a successfully advocated on behalf of those injured due to harm, abuse and neglect throughout New York State and Northern New Jersey.
Legal fee only upon a successful result.
