Common Nursing Home Problems in Atlanta

Georgia, unfortunately, has some of the worst nursing homes in the country. In the latest 2017 federal nursing home quality ratings report, 1 in every 4 Georgia nursing homes received the lowest possible rating of one star. According to another, older report from 2014, our state ranks #43 in the nation for overall long term care facility quality. Georgia’s nursing homes even rank the lowest between all 8 southeastern states.

Facts like this are saddening and pose a challenge—especially if you’re in the process of placing a loved one in a Georgia nursing home. The facilities around the Atlanta area, specifically, are some of the worst quality-wise within the state. As we can see from this nursing home inspection survey, some of the state’s worst facilities (the ones that suffer from the most deficiencies) are found in the Atlanta area.

But what do these deficiencies mean, exactly? When we say that a Georgia nursing home is poor in quality, what does that mean for residents who are considering placing a loved one into a nearby facility?

Below is a list of some of the most common nursing home problems in Atlanta. These deficiencies overall result in lower quality ratings and can have a large impact on the health and safety of a facility’s residents:

Staffing Deficiencies

This is likely the number one cause of nursing home quality deficiencies in Atlanta. In 2014, Georgia received an “F” rating regarding its care facility staffing numbers. Only 31% of our state’s nursing homes had an above average staffing level. The average Georgia nursing home resident received 2.22 hours of direct care per every 24 hours. When residents are not able to get the direct care they need, health and safety begin to suffer.

Nursing Deficiencies

Like staffing deficiencies, nursing deficiencies can cause residents to suffer health-wise. In 2014, Georgia’s nursing homes received an “F” rating in this category, too. Less nurses are needed per resident than staff members, naturally, but it’s still vital to have enough nurses on duty to ensure a high level of care.

Health and Safety Issues

Congress requires all nursing homes to receive regular health inspections. These inspections are unannounced and measure the overall health and safety of residents at any given time in that facility. Factors used to determine this rating include medication management, cleanliness, the presence of safety features, any reported cases of abuse, and food preparation safety. Georgia institutions received a 3-star rating (out of 5 possible) for this metric for the current year.

Deficiencies in Quality Measures

Quality measures is a self-reported metric used by Medicare to determine the level of a resident’s general wellbeing. This can include overall resident health, level of physical functioning, mental status, and general wellbeing.

Many programs and treatment options are considered essential to a good quality measures rating. Some examples are pain management options, different nutrition programs and options, and the offering of flu shots. Georgia received a 3-star rating (out of 5 possible) for the current year.

If you’re in the process of trying to find an Atlanta nursing home that’s right for your elderly loved one, you have a great deal to consider. Take care to consider the above information when interviewing facility staff operators and ask questions that encourage staff to think about how they plan to face the challenges noted above and how they can ensure your loved one gets the care they require and deserve.

If, unfortunately, you’re in a situation where you believe your loved one may be getting abused or neglected in a Georgia nursing home, help is only a phone call away. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Bey & Associates today. We can pair you with an Atlanta nursing home abuse lawyer who can help your family get the justice and settlement offer you deserve—as well as ensure your loved one is never harmed in the same institution again.