Over two million infections occur in U.S. nursing homes each year. These infections cause pain and health decline and also often contribute to morbidity.
However, many nursing home infections can be prevented with care. Nursing homes can take steps to reduce the risk of infection and increase resident quality of life.
The Greenville nursing home abuse lawyers at Jordan Law Center explain preventing serious infections in nursing homes.
Why Nursing Home Infections Are So Dangerous
Approximately 1.2 million people live in U.S. nursing homes. For these residents, infections can be especially dangerous.
Here’s why.
Medical conditions
Most people who live in nursing homes have special medical needs. They may be at high risk because of medical conditions or injury. They may take medications that make it harder to treat an infection.
Age
The human immune system often weakens with age. Skin becomes thinner. The body’s ability to correct abnormalities and fight threats may be reduced.
Close space
In a nursing home, many people live in a contained space. Proximity can mean a greater likelihood of exposure to respiratory droplets. Poor ventilation can allow infectious agents to remain in the air for longer periods.
Shared facilities
Nursing home residents may share dining rooms, sitting areas, and recreational facilities. Sharing things can mean an increased likelihood of contamination.
Exposure time
Residents of a nursing home may not leave their home as often as someone who lives in the community. Spending most of the time in the facility means increased time to be exposed to infection.
The Most Common Nursing Home Infections
Common nursing home infections include:
- Flu, influenza
- Urinary tract infections
- Pneumonia
- Pressure ulcers, other skin infections
- Viral gastroenteritis, causing diarrhea, Norovirus
- Clostridioides difficile infection
- Itch mite, scabies
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
- Sexually transmitted infection, disease
- COVID
Infections may result from bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.
How Nursing Homes Can Reduce the Risk of Infection
- Sanitation—Regular cleaning practices should include disinfecting surfaces and equipment. Cleaning products should be properly stored and labeled. Linens should be laundered between uses and stored appropriately.
- Improved circulation and ventilation—Sufficient air changes, ventilation, and air filtration can reduce nursing home infection risk. Air flow patterns should avoid contaminated areas. Regulating humidity levels can further reduce the risk of harm.
- Prevention of overcrowding—Greater resident density can mean a higher risk of infection. Avoiding overcrowding can prevent transmission.
- Proper medical care—Medical care can help a resident maintain health, which can help in fighting infection. In addition, avoiding unnecessary medical procedures can reduce the opportunity for infection to enter the body.
- Employee Education—Employees must be trained in nursing home sanitation procedures. They must also be trained in why these measures are necessary so that they are motivated to comply with requirements.
- Adequate staffing—Adequate staffing levels help employees have time for cleaning and other risk-reduction measures.
- Adequate resources—Workers need sufficient material goods to provide care with adequate sanitation. They must have personal protective equipment.
- Proper food handling—Sound food handling procedures can prevent foodborne infection.
- Handwashing reminders—Workers, staff, and visitors should be reminded to wash their hands. Signs in common bathrooms can provide reminders, in addition to reminders in newsletters and verbal reminders.
- Flu vaccines—Opportunities for residents to receive the flu vaccine can lower the likelihood of a flu outbreak.
- Isolation of infections—When an infection occurs, measures must be taken to isolate it from affecting others.
- Waste disposal—Waste, including hazardous waste handling, must be disposed of properly. All waste should be disposed of in bags away from where rodents may access it.
- Oral hygiene—Regular teeth brushing and dental care can reduce the overall risk of infection.
- Safe sex—The nursing home should have procedures to help residents prevent sexually transmitted diseases, including information about safe sex, preventative care, and available treatment, if necessary.
Recognizing the Early Signs of a Nursing Home Infection
The early signs of a nursing home infection vary based on the type of infection. A person may experience fever and an overall feeling of discomfort, including chills and sweats. They may have stomach and body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in urination. They may experience a loss of appetite. Respiratory pain and difficulty breathing may occur. A skin infection may appear as discoloration, itch, or pus. Behavioral changes may include confusion and irritability.
Signs of an outbreak may include multiple residents experiencing symptoms. There may be an increase in referrals for medical care. Several infections may occur in a cluster. A single infection may be unusual or severe. Care providers should be trained in recognizing symptoms and tracking incidents so that outbreaks are identified.
What To Do If You Suspect a Nursing Home Infection
If you suspect a nursing home infection, arrange for the person to receive medical care. Let care providers know your concerns, and ask them to address them.
If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect, report it.
Care providers should respond appropriately. They may need to increase sanitation and take measures to prevent the spread.
Are Nursing Homes Liable for Preventable Infections?
A nursing home must take reasonable steps to prevent infection. They must address general and specific risks. A nursing home may be liable for a preventable infection if it failed to do what was reasonable to prevent the infection from occurring or spreading.
If the nursing home is liable, a victim may receive compensation.
How A Greenville Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Help
If you or a loved one has experienced a nursing home infection, a Greenville nursing home abuse lawyer can help you pursue your case. They can investigate how the infection occurred and whether the nursing home took reasonable measures to prevent harm. In formal legal proceedings, they can engage in discovery to gather records of nursing home activity and interview witnesses. Your lawyer can determine what your case is worth, build your case, and pursue your settlement or judgment.
Contact
Jordan Law Center represents victims of serious infections in nursing homes. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a preventable infection, contact us.
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