Is your Georgia Nursing Home Deficient in Care?

Finding the right nursing home in Georgia for you or your loved one can be a difficult endeavor. There are so many factors to consider, and in some areas many different homes with varying services and amenities. But one thing all nursing home residents want is a place where they can feel safe and well cared for. However, a report by the Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General reveals that nearly 90 percent of Georgia nursing homes have registered deficiencies. What does this mean for residents and their families?

There are 375 licensed nursing homes in Georgia with a total of 40,649 beds, and per state law homes are inspected about once a year by the Georgia Department of Human Resources. In 2007, Georgia nursing homes averaged 6.5 violations per home, which is a little lower than the national average of 7. Across the nation, 92 percent of nursing homes were found to have received violations of federal standards for health and safety in 2007. This means that Georgia nursing homes are pretty much on par with the rest of the nation as far as violations are concerned, but the number is still far too high and is concerning to investigators.

What kind of issues are investigators finding in nursing homes? Across the country investigators most often encounter problems with quality of life issues, the quality of care residents receive, and resident assessment. Investigators have also found specific problems like bed sores, urinary tract infections, and medication mistakes – all of which can make life very unpleasant for residents, and can be quite harmful to some.

Reports like this are especially concerning in a down economy, when nursing homes may skimp on areas like facility repair, staff levels, or housekeeping. While cutting corners like this may not immediately affect residents, over time stressed caregivers or untended to repairs can become problematic and ultimately lead to neglectful or abusive situations.

There is such a wide range of quality of care in Georgia nursing homes that it is up to the individual to do their homework. Make sure that you fully research a nursing home before you commit. You can read the full text of the Department of Health and Human Services report here. You can research nursing homes through the Medicare Nursing Home Compare website by clicking here.

If you suspect that someone you love is being abused or neglected in a Georgia nursing home, then please contact the law offices of Kaufman Law. We have over 30 years of experience in nursing home negligence cases and will fight to ensure you and your family receive the justice you deserve.

Kaufman Law, P.C.

12 Beck Street, N.W.

Atlanta, GA. 30318

Toll Free: (888) 973-2540

Phone: (404) 355-4000