More than 1.2 million individuals are residents in nursing homes across the United States, and the need for these long-term care facilities is growing rapidly. By 2030, it is estimated that an additional 3,000 nursing homes will be necessary in the U.S.

Working in a nursing home is a demanding job, and it isn’t easy. That is why proper training is crucial for anyone on the nursing home staff. It’s a position that prioritizes responsibility when caring for some of the most vulnerable members of society.

Nurse attending to an elderly woman in bed.

Each Resident Has Unique Health/Personal Care Needs

The nursing home staff is there to ensure the safety, health and well-being of its residents. These employees are responsible for providing a comprehensive array of care services tailored to the varying needs of their residents. Caregivers are there to offer assistance with daily activities, such as feeding, bathing, dressing and mobility.

Each nursing home resident has unique needs, and the nursing home staff is responsible for providing personal care, whether it’s for basic needs, for those requiring round-the-clock care or when facing an emergency medical issue.

Inadequate Training or None at All Can Lead to Errors

When the nursing home staff is not trained or qualified to handle the needs of their residents, problems can arise. Elder care can present a variety of complexities. It’s one thing to have compassion as a nursing home employee, but having competence is also extremely important.

Medication errors can happen, and the results can be devastating, when nursing home staff have received inadequate training. The resident could be given the wrong medication or one with an improper dosage.

It takes knowledge and skill to carry out the responsibilities required to work in a nursing home. Many residents come to these long-term care facilities with overlapping conditions. They require comprehensive ongoing medical care personalized to their individual needs. A nursing home staff member who cannot respond appropriately risks the health and welfare of these residents through errors, neglect or even abuse.

For example, some residents are bedridden and need medication management, wound care and continuous monitoring of common health conditions. Other residents struggle with cognitive impairments or dementia-related challenges and require specialized care. Those who are improperly trained may miss or disregard these tasks, which can lead to medical emergencies, declining health or even death.

Physical Injuries Are Also Concerning in a Nursing Home

Not only is proper equipment, its accessibility and having enough of it essential for nursing home staff to perform their duties, but consistent training matters. Safe, modern equipment is useless if employees don’t know how to utilize it correctly. Equipment training is essential upon hire, annually and as deemed necessary in between annual training.

Special techniques are involved when lifting or transferring a resident to avoid injury to the resident. Without proper staff training, falls, broken bones or other injuries can occur. Also, in a life-threatening situation, nursing home staff members require the right training to deliver CPR or first aid. Not being able to act quickly and use emergency protocols can result in harm or death to the resident.

My Nursing Home Abuse Guide has more information about what physical injuries can mean in a residential care facility, including abuse and neglect.

Nursing Home Residents Have Fundamental Rights and Protections

Nursing homes have a significant responsibility in caring for the nation’s elderly loved ones. That is why nursing homes are strictly regulated in every state. Each nursing home resident has the right to be treated with dignity, courtesy and respect by the nursing home staff. A resident also has the right to live in a safe environment that is free from abuse, neglect and discrimination. A nursing home resident has the right to make a complaint or file a grievance without fear of punishment or retribution.

When these fundamental rights have been violated, legal action may be considered. A nursing home abuse lawyer can hold the nursing home and its staff accountable.