Providing quality care for residents in nursing homes requires a dedicated and compassionate staff. However, in some cases, the demands on the staff may become overwhelming, leading to signs of burnout and exhaustion.
Family members need to be aware of these signs for the sake of their elderly loved ones.
High turnover rates
With 15,600 nursing homes in America as of 2018, one sign of an overworked nursing home staff is a high turnover rate among employees. When staff members are constantly leaving their positions, it may indicate that the workload is too heavy or the working conditions are challenging. High turnover can result in a lack of continuity in care and negatively impact the well-being of residents.
Increased errors
Overworked staff are also often prone to making mistakes. These errors can range from medication administration mix-ups to missed care routines. Increased incidents of mistakes can have serious consequences for residents, compromising their health and safety.
More fatigue and exhaustion
Staff members who are consistently fatigued and exhausted may struggle to provide the level of care that residents need. Long hours without adequate rest can lead to decreased attention to detail, reduced empathy and a diminished ability to handle stressful situations.
Decreased personal interactions
Nursing home residents thrive on personal interactions with staff members. When the staff feels overworked, the time available for one-on-one interactions is shorter. Residents may notice a decline in the quality and quantity of conversations, which can impact their emotional well-being.
Neglected building
An overworked staff may find it challenging to keep up with the maintenance of the nursing home facility. Neglected repairs, untidy common areas and unclean living spaces show a staff stretched too thin. A well-maintained environment is important for the health and happiness of residents.
A stressed staff can create problems far beyond a bad interaction with a patient. By addressing these signs, people can work towards creating a supportive environment for residents.
