Georgia Ranks Near Bottom of List for Nursing Home Inspections

Portrait of an elderly woman sitting alone in a senior care facility

A new report reveals Georgia is one of the worst states when it comes to conducting inspections of nursing homes.

The troubling report, detailed in the Albany Herald, finds that nearly all of Georgia’s nursing homes (93%) went for 16 months without a comprehensive inspection. Georgia ranked second to last, with Connecticut being at the bottom of the list.

Any experienced nursing home abuse attorney knows that thorough inspections must be conducted on a regular basis to ensure the health and safety of its residents. Federal agencies require “standard surveys” of nursing homes at least every 15 months to ensure the facilities are meeting federal standards and requirements.

Trained survey teams are required to go to nursing homes to conduct a thorough inspection of operations. Typically, the inspection lasts four days.

What happens if nursing homes are left unchecked?

Residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities face the risk of abuse and neglect the longer a facility goes without a survey. Routine inspections are one of the tools used to hold nursing homes accountable and prevent elder abuse. A survey can find signs of abuse and neglect, which include but are not limited to:

Unexplained injuries such as bruises, cuts, and other wounds
Infections (e.g., sepsis)
Pressure ulcers (bed sores)
Unsanitary conditions and/or a lack of maintenance on the premises
Unusual behavior by residents
Residents who are emotionally upset or agitated
Malnutrition

What to do if you suspect elder abuse or neglect at a Georgia nursing home

If your loved one is a resident of a nursing home or assisted living facility in Georgia, it’s important to keep your eyes and ears open for any signs of abuse or neglect. Unfortunately, as the report illustrates, the state of Georgia is failing to keep up with inspections. This means residents of nursing facilities here are at a higher risk of abuse or neglect compared to those living in nursing homes in most other states.

If you see any signs of abuse or neglect, you should not hesitate to take action.

The following are some of the important initial steps:

Seek immediate medical attention for your loved one: Call 911 if necessary.
File a complaint with the state: Georgia’s Ombudsman Long Term Care Residents’ Advocate investigates claims of elder abuse and other complaints involving nursing homes.
Contact a nursing home abuse lawyer near you: An attorney in Georgia can be your advocate, investigate the abuse or neglect, and help you hold the nursing home accountable.

How the Law Office of George S. Johnson can help

Cases involving nursing home abuse and neglect are complicated, as they require an understanding of case law and procedures.

Nursing homes that face accusations of wrongdoing will push back. If you go up against them alone, you might quickly get frustrated by the process.

At The Law Office of George S. Johnson, we can review the facts of your case and help you understand your legal options. If necessary, we aren't afraid to file a lawsuit and prepare to take your case to trial. Victims of nursing home abuse or neglect are often entitled to financial compensation for the harm they have suffered. Let us put our experience and resources to work for you to pursue the justice and financial compensation you deserve.