In October, an 11.1% reduction in Medicare reimbursement rates for nursing homes went into effect. Over the next ten years, nursing homes across the country will lose a total of $79 billion in Medicare funding. Industry experts and advocates fear that this significant decrease in funding will result in widespread layoffs and reduction of skilled nursing personnel, potentially leading to an increase in incidents of nursing home abuse or nursing home neglect.
Senior Housing News reports that Ohio nursing homes have already cut 3,000 positions in conjunction with the Medicare cuts. According to a survey done by Avalere Health, nursing homes across America anticipate cutting a total of 20,000 jobs due to funding cuts. In addition to the layoffs, plans for expansion and new facilities that would have created 20,000 new jobs have been canceled.
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Advocates fear that with fewer employees in homes the quality of care and quality of life will slip. The Alliance for Quality Nursing Home Care has warned about the negative impact further Medicare cuts will have on residents. Fearing Ohio’s situation will become the norm, they suggest instead phasing in cuts over the next three years. Easing into the cuts “can help alleviate a worsening direct care staff layoff crisis that is now a documented fact in Ohio,” said Alan Rosenbloom, president of the Alliance.
Regardless of staffing and funding cuts, there is never an excuse for nursing home abuse. Residents should not have to suffer the pain of a pressure sore just because Medicare is not paying facilities as much money. They should not be subject to beatings in their nursing homes just because the facility is understaffed. If you suspect your loved one is being mistreated in a nursing home, please contact a Florida nursing home abuse lawyer for help.
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