Peggy DiPace | Support HB1179

My mother lived in a nursing home for 6 months at the end of her life. I visited her at the home every day. Although the staff were caring and hard working I could see the toll it can take on the residents and staff when there are not enough caregivers. I. am writing to urge the State to require that nursing home staffing levels be based on the actual needs of the residents rather than on fixed minimum ratios alone. Residents in nursing homes have widely varying levels of medical complexity, mobility limitations, cognitive impairment, and personal care needs. Facilities that rely solely on minimum staffing requirements often fail to provide adequate care for residents who require extensive assistance. This can result in delayed care, increased falls, preventable injuries, medication errors, declining hygiene, and diminished quality of life. Staffing should be determined by resident acuity, including physical health conditions, dementia or behavioral needs, assistance with activities of daily living, and supervision requirements. Adequate staffing allows caregivers the time necessary to provide safe, dignified, and compassionate care while also reducing burnout and turnover among staff.