What Are the 3 Most Common Complaints About Nursing Homes?

Like all businesses, some nursing homes are better than others. Some employ higher-skilled and more competent staff, and some are much more attentive to their residents’ needs. Unfortunately, too many nursing homes fall on the lower end of the quality range. Complaints against nursing homes are common, and many of the same issues come up time and time again.

The nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys at Colling Gilbert Wright have substantial experience in these complex matters. We understand the hardships your loved one may be facing and we are committed to holding negligent parties accountable for the harm they cause. 

The 3 Most Common Complaints Against Nursing Homes

The three most common nursing home complaints include:

1. Staffing Problems

Staffing problems are a persistent issue in nursing homes across Florida. Although Florida’s Minimum Standards for Nursing Homes establish various staffing requirements, many nursing homes fall far short of meeting their legal obligations. 

Many Florida nursing homes are understaffed. In order to limit their expenses, many nursing homes hire minimal staff—and their services and their residents’ quality of life suffer as a result. In addition, many nursing homes hire nurses, medical directors, and other employees who lack the experience, skills, and qualifications necessary to adequately serve their residents. 

2. Loneliness

While nursing homes are supposed to be enriching environments where aging residents have the opportunity to regularly interact with staff, family members, and co-residents, loneliness is, unfortunately, a common issue. A high percentage of nursing home residents report feeling neglected, and this is a particular issue for residents who are limited in their ability to leave their rooms. 

Loneliness is a serious concern. It can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression; and, for some residents, neglect and abandonment can mean going without the nutrition, hydration, medications, and care they need. As a result, residents and family members who have concerns should speak up, and they should seek legal help if necessary. 

3. Poor Food Options

According to Healthcare Business Today, the third most common complaint against nursing homes is poor food options. This includes serving poor-tasting foods, lack of variety, and inadequate access to healthy and nutritious snacks and meals. 

Similar to staffing problems and loneliness, inadequate access to quality food is much more than simply a matter of preference. It can have significant physical health consequences, and it can impact nursing home residents’ mental health as well. Access to healthy and nutritious foods is essential; and, whether residents can visit the facility’s dining room or need to receive meals in their rooms, they are entitled to a broad choice of quality meals. 

Other Common Complaints Against Nursing Homes

While these may be the most common complaints against nursing homes, they are far from the only issues residents can face. In addition to staffing issues, loneliness, and poor food options, other common complaints against nursing homes include: 

• Failure to provide access to wheelchairs, walkers, and other necessities 
• Failure to provide necessary assistance to residents 
• Failure to timely respond to residents’ calls and requests 
• Inadequate assistance with personal hygiene needs 
• Inadequate nursing home cleaning and maintenance 
• Inadequate supervision of residents who are at risk for injury or elopement 
• Inattentiveness to residents’ needs 
• Overbilling and other forms of financial abuse
• Privacy violations 
• Theft of residents’ medications, cash, checks, credit cards, and personal property 

As you can see, there are many common complaints against nursing homes—far more than just the most common complaints listed above. With this in mind, as a resident (or as the close family member of a Florida nursing home resident), it is important to be aware of the signs of nursing home neglect, and you should not hesitate to seek help if you have any concerns. 

Your Rights if You Have a Complaint Against a Nursing Home in Florida

If you have a complaint against a nursing home in Florida, what are your rights? While the answer depends on the specific issue at hand, the most important thing you need to know is that all nursing home residents have the absolute right to receive any medical care they need. If you are experiencing discomfort, pain, or illness due to neglect or abuse, or if you have concerns about a loved one’s condition, you can – and should – seek outside medical attention right away. 

We also strongly recommend that you speak with a nursing home abuse and neglect attorney. Issues at nursing homes rarely resolve themselves; and, more often than not, they get worse instead of better. At Colling Gilbert Wright, we can help, and we can arrange for you to speak with one of our attorneys in confidence promptly. 

Talk to an Orlando Nursing Home Negligence Lawyer Today

Do you have a complaint against a Florida nursing home? Are you concerned about your living situation or a loved one’s care? If so, we want to help you. To speak with an Orlando nursing home negligence lawyer at Colling Gilbert Wright in confidence, call (407) 712-7300 or request a free consultation online now. We serve Orlando, Tampa, Miami, and nearby areas in Florida.