Patients in nursing homes are suffering because they too often fear if they complain about problems, they will be punished by staff, according to a horrifying report by the Long Term Care Community Coalition.
“Fear of retaliation is a pervasive phenomenon that inflicts significant emotional harm on nursing home residents,” says Eilon Caspi, the principal author of the report, “They Make You Pay.”
The report’s threatening title was inspired by a story about fear of retaliation deterring residents at a Florida nursing home from reporting poor care. One resident said staff would “make you pay” by delaying care or sabotaging meals of complaining residents.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Fear causes harm
The report found that patients anticipating retaliation can be even more damaging than actual punishment: “Too often, fear of staff retaliation – the fear itself – prevents residents from voicing concerns and from receiving the care and services to which they are entitled. Ultimately, this inaction leads to unnecessary emotional, psychological, and physical harm to vulnerable residents.”
For example, a study at University of Connecticut Center on Aging on residents’ fear of retaliation in Connecticut long-term care homes included a survey that asked residents, “Do you worry about retaliation if you were to report a complaint or concern?”
According to the report, 23% of nursing home residents said they did worry about retaliation if they were to report a complaint or concern. In addition, 4% reported that they do not want to complain and 1% reported not wanting to get people in trouble.
Also, the Atlanta Long-Term Care Ombudsman reported that 44% of the residents who had seen abuse of other residents did not report it; half of the residents did not report it due to fear of retaliation.
You can share your own experience and find information about how to address long-term care issues, links to federal and state contacts and complaint forms and tools for resident-centered advocacy at https://nursinghome411.org.
Nursing home staffing low
The coalition also gathered federal data to reinforce prior reports that nursing homes in the U.S. remain understaffed, which President Biden has pledged to address. According to that report, “Nursing homes are turning over more than half of their staff over a 12-month period. The median total nursing staff turnover is 53%, including 50% RN turnover. Higher turnover is associated with worse quality of care.”
Staffing levels are different in different parts of the country, with the lowest staffing levels in the region that includes Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas, The highest staffing levels are found in the region that includes Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
The coalition website also has information about finding a good nursing home. Data about specific nursing homes, including staffing levels, can be accessed at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services Care Compare site.
Note: This item first appeared in Kiplinger’s Retirement Report, our popular monthly periodical that covers key concerns of affluent older Americans who are retired or preparing for retirement. Subscribe for retirement advice that’s right on the money.
-
8 Rules for Choosing the Right Financial AdviserNot all advisers are created equal. Here's how to find one qualified to manage your wealth and protect your legacy. From verifying credentials to trusting your gut, follow these rules to find a financial adviser.
-
A Hated TSA Rule Was Finally Phased OutAfter nearly 20 years, the TSA is ending its shoes-off policy. Travelers will still need a Real ID, and advanced screening remains in place. Here’s what to expect on your next flight.
-
Nine Things You May Not Know About Social SecurityEven if you’ve been collecting benefits for years, you may have more to learn.
-
13 Answers to Pressing Social Security QuestionsFrom smart claiming strategies for couples to tips on maximizing your monthly check, we have advice that can help you.
-
Keep Tax Collectors at Bay with Muni Bond FundsMunicipal bonds can be good insurance against inflation — and interest is tax-free. But as with all investments, understanding risk is key.
-
Tips for Expat Retirees, From Expat RetireesYou may enjoy a lower cost of living by moving abroad, but it requires careful planning.
-
Why Retirees Need a Budget, According to a New RetireeA new retiree explains why retirees need a budget.
-
Hiring a Financial Adviser: 10 Questions to AskWhen hiring a financial adviser, ask these 10 questions to weed out the duds and find the right person to manage your nest egg. After all, you're the boss.
-
How New Retirees are Navigating Economic Uncertainty‘I Picked a Helluva Time to Retire.’ Six strategies for new retirees facing a dicey stock market and unpredictable economy.
-
Think Twice Before You Tap Your 401(k) EarlyPenalty-free distributions have become more accessible, but they can be detrimental to your retirement security.
