30 Jun Texas Failing in Quality of Long-Term Care For The Elderly
Quality of Care for the Elderly in Texas
There is no doubt that people have concerns about the quality of care that the elderly in Texas are forced to face. The AARP recently released a report that ranks each state according to the quality of long-term care.
Findings of the Report
The report takes several factors into consideration and also indicates how improvements could affect the quality of care for the elderly, especially those in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Some of the factors that were considered include:
- Affordability and accessibility of the nursing home
- Support of the patient’s family
- Quality of life
- Care provided to the patient
The report showed that Texas ranks 30th when it comes to general long-term care and services for its senior citizens, the disabled, and family caregivers. The report ranks Texas next to last when it comes to the quality of care and life that the average nursing home provides. When looking for independent living options, make sure that it is a trusted provider such as the ones found at summerfieldencinitasmc.com/community-life/.
Why The Low Rankings?
What is the cause of Texas’ ranking in this AARP report? There are several contributory factors that come into the picture. One of the problems is that Texas has the highest rate of nursing staff turnover. According to DSHS (Department of State Health Services), the problems that exist with the turnover in staff are the highest among psychiatric nursing assistants and licensed vocational nurses: both reported at 33 percent in the same year.
The 83rd Legislature set aside funds in the budget to cover a salary increase for psychiatric nursing assistants that are employed in mental health hospitals and reclassified licensed vocational nurses to higher salary groups. It will take some time before it is possible to see the impact of those changes.
Related Factors
Texas’ long-term nursing home residents are at the top of the list when it comes to receiving antipsychotic medication. Texas is next to the last when it comes to new nursing home confinements of longer than 100 days. The shortage of nurses may cause the staff to feel overburdened and stressed.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Aging and Disability Services did not elaborate on what measures the department will take in order to address the appalling ranking. She did state in an email that regular and impromptu inspections of nursing home facilities are routine and that the department is working with both legislators and law enforcement to make improvements in the standard of living in nursing home facilities. The SSDI law firm that serves the disabled welcomed the decision and stated that regular inspections are mandatory to avoid unfortunate incidents.
If you are unhappy with the quality of care your loved one is receiving in a Texas nursing facility, our firm may be in a position to help. An experienced nursing home abuse attorney can consult with you on the problem and help you choose the right course of action, free of charge. To speak to one of our legal professionals, call our office at 1-877-659–1620.
1-877-659-1620
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