Understaffing is a common problem in many of the worst-rated nursing homes in Western New York.
Residents in these facilities often must wait long periods to be taken to the bathroom, have their diapers changed or receive assistance in being fed, according to their relatives.
A proposed state bill would require nursing homes and hospitals to maintain specific minimum staffing ratios for nurses and certified nursing assistants. At present, these facilities are required only to have “sufficient” staffing levels.