Choosing a Nursing Home in Sonoma County: Key Differences Between For-Profit and Non-Profit Facilities
When you are searching in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, or anywhere in Sonoma County for a nursing home for your elderly loved one, it is essential to do as much research as possible. Choosing a facility that provides the specific level of care your family member requires is paramount. Facilities vary greatly in quality and size, and they also fall into two main categories: for-profit and non-profit. Understanding the distinction is critical, as a recent report from CBS News highlights that many for-profit nursing homes in California may not be serving residents well.
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Can Happen Anywhere
Before we discuss the important distinctions between for-profit and non-profit nursing homes, it is crucial to emphasize that nursing home abuse and neglect can occur in any facility. Even a facility that appears to be of the highest quality or has a stellar reputation can have issues. A nursing home with no prior record of safety problems can still be a place where a resident is injured.
Therefore, you should never make assumptions about whether an injury resulted from abuse or negligence based on a facility’s reputation or characteristics alone. If you see signs of elder abuse or have concerns about neglect, you should discuss the details with an attorney and report the situation immediately.
For-Profit Nursing Homes Tend to Have More Quality Issues
For-profit nursing homes now account for approximately 70% of all such facilities across the United States. According to the CBS News report, investors continue to fund for-profit facilities with the primary goal of generating revenue. Unfortunately, these facilities often pose serious health and safety risks to the seniors who reside there. The report cites “an industry-wide trend toward increasingly complex ownership arrangements that consumer advocates say are endangering fragile patients.” As the number of for-profit nursing homes continues to grow, it is more important than ever for families to be vigilant about their loved ones’ health and safety.
David Grabowski, a professor at Harvard University, told CBS News that “the vast majority of quality problems in the US are centered in for-profit nursing homes.” While a US News & World Report article notes that high-quality for-profit and poor-quality non-profit facilities both exist, it concludes that, on average, “the average for-profit facility has been found to have poorer quality of care relative to the average not-for-profit facility.”
Speak with a Sonoma County Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Finding the right nursing home in Sonoma County for your loved one is a complicated and often emotional process. After selecting a facility, you should be able to trust that your parent or relative will be safe and properly cared for. While injuries from abuse or neglect should never happen, they sadly occur far too often in all types of facilities.
It is vital to remember that nursing home abuse and negligence can happen at both for-profit and non-profit facilities, regardless of whether there is a history of safety violations. If your elderly loved one recently sustained an injury or you suspect they are suffering from harm or neglect, a Sonoma County nursing home negligence lawyer can help you understand your rights and options. Contact Nursing Home Law Group to discuss your concerns and ensure your family member is protected.
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