For-profit nursing homes have come under increased scrutiny^[1] in recent years due to their tendency to prioritize profits over patient care. One of the most significant issues facing for-profit nursing homes is understaffing, which has been linked to an increase in injuries and deaths among residents. There have been studies showing care is better in non-profit nursing homes.

Arguably, the ownership of nursing home chains by large private equity groups makes care problems in for-profit nursing homes even worse. Examples of private equity firms that own or have owned large nursing home chains include^[2] HCA Manorcare, Genesis, Golden LivingCenters, Marquis Health Services, LCS (Life Care Services), Consulate Healthcare, Extendicare, Diversicare, Portopiccolo (which operates under the names Accordius, Pelican Health, and Orchid Cove). Other for-profit nursing homes are run by chains such as Life Care Centers of America, Medical Facilities of America, Signature Health Care and Ensign Group nursing homes.

Understaffing occurs when a nursing home does not have enough employees to provide adequate care to its residents. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including a focus on maximizing profits. When a nursing home is understaffed, caregivers are often overworked and unable to provide the level of care that residents need. This can lead to serious injuries and health problems for residents. These caregivers are often the victims of understaffing too.

One significant injury caused by understaffing in for-profit nursing homes is falls. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among adults aged 65 and older. Nursing home residents are especially vulnerable to falls, as many have mobility issues and require assistance with many daily activities. Caregivers may not be able to provide the level of assistance that residents need to prevent falls when the nursing home is understaffed.

In addition to falls, understaffing in for-profit nursing homes can also lead to a variety of other injuries. Residents can develop pressure ulcers, also known as bedsores, if they are dependent for bed or chair mobility and not turned and repositioned frequently enough. Bad hygiene can also cause or contribute to bed sores and pressure ulcers, leading to Stage 3 and even Stage 4 pressure ulcers. These painful and potentially life-threatening sores can cause deadly sepsis infections.

Understaffing can also lead to a decline in the overall quality of life for residents. When caregivers are overworked and unable to provide the level of care that residents need, residents may not receive the attention and social interaction that they require to maintain their mental and emotional well-being. This can lead to feelings of isolation and depression, which can have a negative impact on overall health and quality of life.

Despite the clear dangers of understaffing, some for-profit nursing homes continue to operate with minimal staff in order to maximize profits. Many nursing homes justify this by relying on minimum staffing ratios set by state regulations, which may not be sufficient to provide the level of care that residents require. Also, nursing homes may not be held accountable for staffing shortages, because some states do not have minimum staffing quantity levels.

One solution would be to implement stricter regulations regarding staffing levels in nursing homes. This could include requiring minimum staffing ratios or requiring nursing homes to report any staffing shortages. By holding nursing homes accountable for staffing levels, regulators can ensure that residents are receiving the appropriate level of care.

In conclusion, understaffing in for-profit nursing homes is a serious issue that has significant consequences for residents. From falls and pressure ulcers to a decline in overall quality of life, understaffing can lead to a variety of injuries and health problems. While there are steps that can be taken to address the issue, it is clear that more needs to be done to ensure that residents receive the appropriate level of care. By increasing funding