Nursing home data shows for-profit entities putting profits before care
Nursing home abuse and neglect is a common problem all throughout the United States. At least six government and academic studies conducted within the last 3 years have revealed a huge increase in waste, fraud and patient harm by nursing home providers-specifically for-profit entities.
A recently released federal healthcare nursing home inspections report offers additional proof that many for-profit providers are putting profits first and failing to provide the adequate care to nursing home patients.
Results of the Office of Inspector General report
According to the most recent government information, out of the total $105 billion that nursing homes earned this past year, 78 percent of that total went to for-profit entities; in 2002 it was 72 percent.
And a race to increase the bottom line shows that patient care is being affected.
According to data provided by the Inspector General’s Office of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services via a Freedom of Information Act request obtained by Bloomberg News, 31 percent of claims against for-profit homes were improper compared to 12 percent of improper claims against non-profit facilities.
Jill Horwitz, a professor at the School of Law at the University of California, Los Angeles, says, “Research shows for-profits are more likely to pursue money in all kinds of ways than non-profits are, even by pushing the legal envelope.”
One of the largest nursing home franchise giants that operate entities all throughout the U.S. is facing a lawsuit for alleged unnecessary and harmful treatment at 230 of its nursing homes during a 6 year period between 2006-2012.
One alleged incident involved an 80 year old patient living at one of the chains located in South Carolina. She was allegedly placed in a standing position for 84 minutes when she could barely keep her head or eyes open. Two days later she died.
Seeking legal recourse
Unfortunately, nursing home companies that are geared toward making a profit and pleasing shareholders will continue to cut corners. As a result, many will put patient’s lives at risk.
Luckily, legal recourse is available. Individuals concerns about the care of their loved ones are encouraged to consult with an experienced nursing home lawyer. An attorney can make sure nursing home facilities are abiding by the law and if not, pursue legal action to hold them responsible.
Those seeking future care for their loved ones are encouraged to look into the history, background, and employees of any potential facilities before putting loved ones in their care.