The Effects of Burnout on the Nursing Home Industry
Burnout has become a major issue in many businesses and industries, particularly the healthcare industry. Increases in patients combined with a lack of resources concoct the perfect recipe for staff burnout. Burnout refers to a combination of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion from work dissatisfaction. Long shifts, negative workplace culture, job stress, lack of appreciation, or mean clients are all strong contributors to burnout. When a professional is experiencing burnout, they may not be interested in their job anymore. They may skip work or perform poorly on the job. They can experience a major increase in anxiety, depression, or other debilitating mental health problems. Their personal life can suffer, especially if burnout leads to job loss. Nursing homes are notorious for causing staff burnout. Large older adult populations stretch community resources thin, and caregiver staff struggles to keep up. Burnout, unfortunately, has devastating effects on nursing homes for both patients and staff members.
High Staff Turnover
There is little reward in sticking with a nursing home job that causes burnout; workloads are high, and shifts are long, but benefits and pay rarely cover the demanding work. Staff are more likely to leave when facing burnout than weather the storm. When nursing homes see high staff turnover, residents often suffer the most. There is less time and resources dedicated to training and hiring new staff, which can result in poor quality care.
Lapses in Security
Security is very important in nursing homes to prevent resident neglect, wandering, robberies, and scams. Burnout can result in fewer security guards or caregivers providing adequate supervision, putting residents in danger. Caregivers who are burnt out may not perform their jobs as adequately as they used to.
Resident Neglect
When nursing home staff lacks in numbers or job performance, residents are subject to neglect. Patients can miss meals, medications, baths, or healthcare. They may not be adequately supervised enough to prevent wandering or falls. Amenities or activities may be limited or nonexistent, which can cause depression or other types of emotional distress. There are many services that qualified caregivers provide to nursing home residents.
Costly Lawsuits
It’s established that burnout, job dissatisfaction, and frequent staff turnover are overlapping concerns that can directly cause lapses in care. Care lapses in nursing home communities are very dangerous, as patients require round-the-clock, high-quality supervision and care. The chances of nursing home abuse and neglect significantly increase with staff burnout. Patients and family members will often (understandably) respond to nursing home abuse and neglect with litigation. Lawsuits are incredibly damaging to a nursing home’s reputation and financial resources. Lawsuits are more prevalent in certain cities that have large populations, as there are more older adults requiring care; resources are spread thinner in nursing homes in these locations.
Chicago
Illinois is seeing a steady increase in elder abuse cases, especially in nursing homes. Over a single year alone, case numbers increased by over ten percent. Chicago is the largest city in Illinois, making it a central hub for retired populations and nursing home communities. Burnout among nursing home staff is common, leading to increased nursing home neglect cases. Chicago nursing home patients are experiencing more nursing home abuse, including falls and fractures from neglect that require a lawyer.
Atlanta
Atlanta is no stranger to nursing home staff burnout. Staff shortages and job dissatisfaction result in Atlanta frequently being ranked as one of the worst cities for nursing home quality. Atlanta's large population of retirees requires an equal number of qualified caregivers, which the supply often can’t provide.
New York
In 2015 alone, New York studies showed that one in five nursing home patients are mistreated in some way, be it neglect or outright abuse from staff. Burnout is a major factor contributing to nursing home abuse in America’s largest city.
Reduced Patient Satisfaction
Staff burnout makes it more likely for patients to see lapses in care, activities, or security. Patients are less likely to want to stay at a nursing home that doesn’t provide decent, safe care. Word can spread quickly through bad reviews, poor facility ratings, or abuse cases. Fewer residents means fewer profits, which spreads resources even thinner.
Regulatory Fines and Fees
Staff burnout that causes poor quality care can cause legal problems. Nursing home abuse, neglect, poor sanitation, or inadequate security frequently result in regulatory fines and fees. The local and national governments have laws and regulations in place to prevent poor quality healthcare. These fines can cause not only financial distress for nursing homes but poor public perception as well. Paying these fees can even cause decreased staff wages to accommodate, further contributing to burnout.
Conclusion
Staff burnout is dangerous and harmful to nursing home communities. Thankfully, many preventative measures can be taken to reduce burnout and the negative consequences that stem from it. Fairer compensation can motivate employees to provide better care and stick with their roles longer. Larger teams can add more resources, breaks, and rest, which is very important. Staff should receive proper healthcare benefits, paid time off, and better schedules to promote self-care and rest. Recognizing and rewarding good work can help staff members feel more appreciated and valued. Nursing homes need systemic change to weather the burnout storm, but a few adjustments can make a world of difference.
