Nursing home resident care has been a topic of concern, especially in light of the recent federal staffing rules set by the Biden administration. Despite these new regulations, many nursing homes across the country continue to fall short of meeting the necessary standards, as highlighted by the case of Heritage Hills Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in Smithfield, R.I.
John A. Pernorio, a resident at Heritage Hills, shared his experience of repeatedly waiting for assistance from aides, often spending hours lying in soiled briefs before receiving help. This is just one example of the challenges faced by many residents in nursing homes due to inadequate staffing levels. Payroll records revealed that daily aide staffing at Heritage Hills was significantly below the minimum required by state law, yet the facility faced no consequences as Rhode Island does not strictly enforce these rules.
The shortage of nurses and aides in nursing homes nationwide has led to serious deficiencies in care for residents, resulting in issues such as bedsores, lack of assistance with basic needs, and preventable falls. States like California, Florida, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island have implemented laws to improve staffing levels and quality of care in nursing homes. However, an investigation into these states showed that many facilities did not comply with the mandated staffing requirements, often without facing any repercussions.
It is crucial for regulators and policymakers to not only establish laws to protect nursing home residents but also ensure that these regulations are effectively enforced. Residents like Mr. Pernorio deserve to receive the highest quality of care and dignity in their later years, and it is imperative that nursing homes uphold the necessary staffing standards to provide a safe and comfortable environment for all residents.