How Staffing Shortages Contribute to Nursing Home Neglect in California

 Posted on January 21, 2026 in Personal Injury

Staffing shortages are a major cause of nursing home abuse and neglect in California. When facilities do not have enough workers on duty, residents may not get the care they need. Basic tasks can be delayed or skipped.

In 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services launched a national Nursing Home Staffing Campaign after finding that staffing shortages are closely tied to poor care and higher safety risks for residents. However, as of 2026, understaffing continues to affect many nursing homes across Los Angeles County and throughout the state.

If you are worried about how a loved one is being cared for, an LA County, CA nursing home neglect lawyer can help you investigate and understand your legal options.

Why Are Staffing Levels So Important in Nursing Homes?

Many nursing home residents depend on staff for daily care. This includes help with eating, bathing, dressing, using the restroom, and moving safely. Staff also help with medication and watch for health problems.

When there are not enough workers, caregivers may be responsible for too many residents at once. Even caring staff may not be able to respond quickly. Over time, this can lead to unsafe conditions and serious harm. In California, staffing shortages are often caused by long hours, high turnover, and demanding work.

How Do Staffing Shortages Lead To Abuse or Neglect?

Understaffing does not excuse abuse, but it can make neglect more likely. When too few workers are on duty, residents may experience:

• Missed medications or late medical care

• Poor hygiene, such as not being bathed regularly

• Falls or injuries that are not treated right away

• Emotional harm from being left alone for long periods

In some cases, staff may feel overwhelmed or stressed. In other cases, residents are harmed simply because no one is available to help.

What Does California Law Require of Nursing Homes?

California law requires nursing homes to keep residents safe. The California Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act requires facilities to meet residents’ basic needs and prevent abuse and neglect.

State rules also require nursing homes to have enough trained staff to provide safe care. When a facility stays understaffed and residents are harmed, the facility may be held responsible.

What Are Common Signs That Understaffing Is Affecting Care?

Family members often notice problems first. Signs that a nursing home may not have enough staff include:

• Call buttons that are ignored

• Residents experiencing weight loss, dehydration, or bedsores

• Sudden mood changes or confusion

• Repeated falls or injuries with no clear reason

When understaffing is the issue, these problems often continue even after complaints are made.

How Can Staffing Problems Support a Nursing Home Neglect Claim?

Staffing records can help show whether a nursing home had enough workers on duty. Schedules, timecards, and staffing ratios are often reviewed in abuse and neglect cases.

In Los Angeles County, investigators may also look at inspection reports and past complaints. If records show ongoing understaffing tied to resident harm, this can support a legal claim.

What Should Families Do if They Suspect Understaffing-Related Neglect?

If you believe a loved one is being harmed due to understaffing, write down what you see. Save photos, notes, and records when possible.

Facilities may blame individual workers instead of staffing problems. Knowing the difference can help when deciding what steps to take next.

How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help in a Nursing Home Neglect Case?

A personal injury attorney can help families take action when a nursing home fails to protect a resident. These cases often involve more than one problem. An attorney can help sort through what happened and identify where the facility fell short.

A personal injury attorney can collect records that families often cannot obtain on their own. The attorney can also handle communication with the nursing home and its insurance company. If needed, the attorney can pursue a claim for medical costs and other losses while also pushing the facility to fix unsafe practices.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Glendale, CA Nursing Home Neglect Attorneys

If you believe your loved one is suffering abuse or neglect in a nursing home, call Tahmazian Law Firm, P.C. today. Our legal team brings decades of experience to these cases. Attorney Jilbert, the firm’s founder, has over 30 years of experience. His sons and partners, Justin and Anthony, are dedicated personal injury attorneys.

Call 818-242-8201 to schedule a free consultation with our LA County, CA nursing home neglect lawyers to talk about your concerns.