4. adequate staffing
equals quality care
A recent report by the Senate’s Special Committee
on Aging indicated that quality care for a single
nursing home resident requires more than three
hours each day of nursing and nursing aide time.
However, statistical analysis of the latest federal
database on nursing home deficiencies indicates
no relationship between quality of care and
staffing levels. This finding is consistent with a
number of university studies.
what should you look for,
then, in nursing home
staffing levels?
There is a level below which nursing homes
are so understaffed that quality care can not be
provided. I’d suggest that you not consider any
home providing a level less than two hours per
day per resident. For levels greater than this, I’d
focus not on the number of hours available for
care but on the motivation of staff available to
provide care. Those who are motivated to care for
the elderly will do so. Those who are motivated
only by a paycheck will probably provide shoddy
care regardless of their numbers.
5. a well-known chain will
provide the best care
This is another myth that can lead to tragedy.
Sometimes, well-known companies do provide
top-quality care. In other instances, however, a
quick review of newspapers and magazines will
show you other companies with long records
of legal troubles stemming from accusations of
neglect and abuse. One such company has been
sued simultaneously by several states’ attorneys
general.
Phyllis Staff, Ph.D.
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