When a loved one moves into a nursing home, you trust that they’ll receive proper care. Discovering that your parent or grandparent has developed a serious infection can be alarming, especially when it could have been prevented. Infections in nursing homes are one of the leading causes of hospitalization and death among elderly residents, and in many cases, they are linked directly to substandard care.
If your loved one has suffered from a preventable infection in a Greenville care facility, Jordan Law Center is here to help. Call 864-808-1810for a free consultation. Our Greenville nursing home abuse attorneys are eager to obtain justice for families harmed by nursing home neglect.
Types of common nursing home infections
Certain infections appear far more frequently in care facilities than in the general population. Understanding these common nursing home infections can help you recognize warning signs early.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
UTIs are among the most common infections in nursing homes. They often result from poor hygiene practices, improper catheter care, or staff failing to assist residents with toileting needs. In elderly residents, UTIs can cause confusion, agitation, and falls, and can quickly become life-threatening if left untreated.
Pneumonia and respiratory infections
Respiratory infections, including pneumonia and COVID-19, spread rapidly in nursing homes because residents live in close quarters and often have weakened immune systems. Facilities that fail to follow infection control protocols, isolate sick residents, or properly ventilate common areas put every resident at risk.
Skin infections and pressure ulcers
Bedsores (pressure ulcers) that go untreated frequently become infected. These wounds develop when staff don’t reposition immobile residents regularly. An infected bedsore can lead to cellulitis, bone infections, and sepsis. If your loved one has developed pressure ulcers, it’s almost always a sign of neglect.
Sepsis
Sepsis occurs when the body’s response to an infection causes organ damage. It’s a medical emergency. In nursing homes, sepsis often develops because a UTI, pneumonia, or skin infection wasn’t caught or treated in time. Sepsis carries a high mortality rate in elderly patients, making early detection critical.
Clostridioides difficile (C. diff)
C. diff causes severe diarrhea and can be fatal in elderly residents. It spreads through contaminated surfaces and is closely linked to antibiotic overuse and poor sanitation. Nursing homes with insufficient cleaning protocols often see higher C. diff rates.
How infections spread in care facilities
Infections in nursing homes spread through predictable, preventable pathways. The primary cause of most infection outbreaks is understaffing. When staff members are overburdened, they may skip handwashing between residents, fail to properly sanitize equipment, and neglect to change soiled linens promptly.
Other common causes include improper catheter maintenance, delayed wound care, failure to isolate contagious residents, and poor ventilation. These aren’t random occurrences. They’re the result of facilities cutting corners.
Signs your loved one may have an infection
Watch for these warning signs during visits:
– Fever, chills, or sweating
– Confusion or sudden behavioral changes
– Redness, swelling, or warmth around wounds
– Foul-smelling or cloudy urine
– Persistent cough or difficulty breathing
– Diarrhea or stomach pain
– Fatigue or decreased appetite
If staff seem unaware of these symptoms or dismissive of your concerns, that’s a red flag.
When infection indicates neglect
Not every infection means a facility is negligent. However, when infections result from understaffing, poor hygiene practices, or failure to follow basic care standards, it becomes a legal matter. Signs that an infection may indicate neglect include:
– Recurring infections that the facility cannot explain
– Untreated bedsores that become infected
– Staff who aren’t following handwashing or sanitation protocols
– Delayed medical treatment after symptoms appear
– A pattern of infection outbreaks at the facility
Facilities have a legal duty to protect residents from preventable harm. When they fail, families have the right to hold them accountable.
How to report nursing home neglect in South Carolina
If you suspect your loved one’s infection resulted from neglect, take these steps.
- Document everything. Photograph wounds, note symptoms, and keep records of conversations with staff.
- Contact Adult Protective Services (APS) at 1-888-227-3487 to report suspected abuse or neglect.
- File a complaint with SC DPH (South Carolina Department of Public Health), which oversees nursing home licensing and inspections.
- Reach out to the Long-Term Care Ombudsman at 1-800-868-9095. They advocate for nursing home residents and investigate complaints.
- Contact Jordan Law Center at 864-808-1810. Our attorneys can evaluate whether you have a legal claim and help you take action.
Why families choose Jordan Law Center
Jordan Law Center doesn’t merely pursue justice for families affected by nursing home neglect. We obtain it. Our attorneys are hands-on, confident in litigation, and ready to fight for your loved one. We hold negligent facilities accountable and work to ensure that what happened to your family doesn’t happen to others.
We handle nursing home abuse and neglect cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us unless we win. Your consultation is completely free.
Frequently asked questions about common nursing home infections
Are nursing home infections always a sign of neglect?
Not necessarily, but recurring, preventable infections often indicate insufficient care, understaffing, or poor infection control practices. An attorney can help determine whether neglect played a role.
What should I do if my loved one keeps contracting infections?
Document the infections, ask the facility for explanations, and contact an attorney. A pattern of infections is a serious warning sign.
Can I sue a nursing home for an infection?
Yes, if the infection resulted from the facility’s failure to provide proper care. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
How much does it cost to hire an attorney?
Jordan Law Center works on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your family. Consultations are free.
How long do I have to file a claim in South Carolina?
South Carolina’s statute of limitations is generally three years for personal injury claims, but don’t wait. Evidence can disappear, and memories fade. Contact us as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Protect your loved one today.
If your family member has suffered from a preventable infection in a Greenville nursing home, you don’t have to face this alone. Jordan Law Center is ready to fight for the justice your family deserves.
Contact us at 864-808-1810 for a free consultation. Our attorneys serve families throughout Greenville County and surrounding South Carolina communities from our office at 622 Wade Hampton Boulevard, Greenville, SC 29609.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different and depends on its unique facts.
“There is not enough GREAT THINGS I could say about Jordan Law Center.”