For people entering a nursing home facility or for helping their parents find an appropriate facility, health and safety presents one of the most significant concerns. It is critical to have a long-term care facility that is clean, safe and in compliance with state and federal regulations.
However, some facilities are not living up to the standards of care you would want for yourself or a parent. The fact is that there are numerous facilities in Florida that are drastically understaffed. Even the most talented nurses and care staff cannot adequately care for their residents if they are short-staffed.
The problems at Palm Garden
According to WPTV in West Palm Beach, Palm Garden nursing home is facing penalties because “the facility did not have the minimum number of qualified staffers on duty as required by law.”
According to the complaint that led to these penalties, the facility would assign 31 patients to each certified nursing assistant on a shift.
Apparently, the facility currently holds a rating of two stars out of five overall, and a one star out of five rating for its recent inspections. These numbers are posted on the Medicare website and are a matter of public record.
Excuses for the problem do not solve the problem
According to the Florida Health Care Association and others defending understaffed nursing homes, staffing is a widespread problem. The Medicaid payments are said to be too low to keep an adequate staff.
Although low Medicaid payments and lack of potential employees are decent reasons for the problem, they do not solve the problem. If you are looking for a good nursing home, you do not want to hear why a facility cannot provide adequate care; you want to hear that the facility provides adequate care.
Protect yourself and your loved ones
For anyone seeking out nursing home, assisted living or other long-term care options in Florida, it would be wise to steer clear of Palm Garden and other facilities that are chronically understaffed. And if you have a loved one in Palm Garden or a similar facility, talk with a lawyer about getting them into a more adequate facility and obtaining compensation for any damages or injuries suffered.
