Understanding Nursing Home Resident Conflicts

On Behalf of Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire LLP
|
Apr 8, 2022
A woman consoling her elderly mother after talking about conflicts with nursing home residents.

Unfortunately, nursing homes in California can be the center of conflicts and lawsuits. Although nursing home managers often blame dementia and Alzheimer’s patients for the majority of these problems, the fact is that residents’ problems can stem from a variety of sources.

Inadequate Care

There are many reasons why nursing homes may provide inadequate care, including poor morale. When nursing home staff is overworked and underpaid, they are less likely to provide the high level of care that residents need, potentially exposing them to nursing home neglect. In addition, nursing homes may be overcrowded, which can also lead to problems with staffing and care.

Poor Communication

When nursing home staff and residents do not communicate effectively, misunderstandings can lead to conflict. In addition, many nursing homes rely on outdated communication methods, such as paper charts, which can cause even more confusion. Different mental health issues and personal differences also contribute to ineffective communication between the residents themselves.

Lack of Independence

Nursing home residents often feel frustrated when they are not able to do the things they used to do. This can lead to conflicts with nursing home staff who are trying help residents with activities that they are not capable of doing themselves. For instance, a nursing home resident who wants to take a walk may become frustrated when the nursing staff insists on walking with them to prevent a fall.

Space Encroachment

When nursing home residents are placed in close quarters, it can often lead to conflict. For instance, if two residents share a room and one of them wants to watch TV, the other resident may feel irritated. In addition, nursing home staff may not be able to provide adequate privacy for residents who want it.

Some nursing homes don’t take the necessary measures to understand and prevent conflicts from arising in the first place. To achieve proper care and harmony in nursing homes, it is important to identify the root causes of these conflicts and work to prevent them.

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