Based on a 2008 Department of Health and Human Services report, 94% of nursing homes nationwide were cited for deficiencies. The report also contains evidence that for profit facilities are more likely to receive such citations. For profit nursing homes were cited for an average of 7.6 deficiencies, while not-for-profits and government facilities were cited for less (not-for-profit = 5.7 and government = 6.3). Deficiencies that caused “actual harm or immediate jeopardy” were found at approximately 17% of the nursing facilities.
The citations included findings of preventable pressure sores (bedsores, decubiti), medication errors, falls, dehydration and malnutrition, as well as neglect and abuse. 37,150 complaints were lodged about the conditions in the nations nursing homes in 2007. 39 percent of the complaints were found to be substantiated.
At the Law Offices of Thomas L. Gallivan, PLLC, we are dedicated to putting an end to nursing home neglect and abuse. Please contact us if you or a loved one has been abused or neglected.
Website Resources:
Violations Reported at 94% of Nursing Homes, New York Times, Robert Pear, September 28, 2009.
