Do Nursing Homes Put Profit Before People?

Do some nursing homes put profits before people? The numbers suggest a possibility.

The average reported total nurse staffing ratios are lower for private investment homes when compared to other homes (other for-profit and nonprofit). See graphic below for reference data.

Additionally, profit margins at private investment homes are substantially higher than at other homes. While the average nonprofit home was losing money in 2008, PI-acquired homes had average profit margins of 6 percent. Roughly two-thirds of all nursing homes in the United States are privately owned and operated.

Also consider that 92 percent of all nursing homes have been cited for some type of deficiency and the vast majority of homes employ at least one convicted criminal.

Given these facts, do increased profit margins and inadequate staffing lead to more abuse? According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, more than one in 10 elders may experience some type of abuse during their stay at a nursing home, but only one in five cases (or fewer) are actually reported.

Are your loved ones receiving adequate care?

Have you or a loved one experienced nursing home abuse that can be attributed to negligent care in a facility? Call Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a nursing home abuse lawsuit.

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