The U.S. Government Accountability Office reports that 82% of surveyed nursing homes received a citation for inadequate infection prevention and control within five years. Despite requirements that nursing homes have infection prevention and control programs, the risk of infection remains constant for nursing home residents.
Our experienced Greenville nursing home abuse lawyer at Bobby Jones Law explains common nursing home infections in Greenville care facilities.
What is a nursing home infection?
A nursing home infection is an invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in the body. When it occurs in a nursing home, it may be the result of exposure or care provided in the facility.
Nursing home residents live in proximity in a group setting and also often have enhanced medical needs. These unique circumstances can result in the development and spread of infections.
A single resident may contract a nursing home infection, or the infection can become an outbreak.
Top Infections Found in Long-Term Care Facilities
Flu, seasonal influenza
Flu outbreaks often happen in a nursing home because residents are especially vulnerable. Visitors, new residents, and staff members can expose residents to the influenza virus. The flu can spread rapidly through resident socialization, caregiver contact among residents, and through medical care providers. Vaccinations, testing, rapid response, facility hygiene, and preventative medicine can help prevent nursing home influenza outbreaks.
Pneumonia
Old age and chronic health conditions can increase susceptibility to pneumonia. Approximately one to two residents acquire pneumonia for every 1,000 days of nursing home care. Pneumonia is a lower respiratory tract infection. Streptococcus pneumoniae and drug-resistant organisms may contribute to pneumonia, which can cause pain and lead to sepsis.
Skin infection
A skin infection in a nursing home may result from inadequate care. For example, bedsores may occur because of inadequate turning and repositioning. Elderly nursing home residents have an elevated risk of skin infection because of thinning skin, poor circulation, and limited mobility.
Urinary tract infection
A urinary tract infection can result from dehydration, immobility, and poor hygiene. Catheter use allows bacteria to directly enter the body. Strict protocols for catheter use may minimize incidents of urinary tract infection.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It can spread by close contact with others, contaminated surfaces, or in food and water. Viruses and bacteria can cause gastroenteritis infections. A person may experience pain, indigestion, or diarrhea. Facility hygiene, personal health hygiene, and isolating outbreaks can help minimize gastroenteritis in a nursing home.
Why Nursing Home Residents Are Vulnerable to Infectious Diseases
Nursing home residents are particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases due to their age and health conditions. Many individuals living in a nursing home may have preexisting health conditions or limited mobility. A mental health condition may make it difficult to express his or her needs. A person may be physically more susceptible to infection or may be unable to recognize or seek help when there are signs of a problem.
A care facility setting can make an infection more likely to spread. People in a care facility share healthcare providers and may share linens and meals. Residents may socialize with each other. Living in a community means that infection can easily spread among residents.
Signs That an Infection Is the Result of Neglect or Poor Hygiene
If an infection in a Greenville nursing home is the result of neglect or poor hygiene, the victim may have a compensation claim.
Signs that a nursing home infection is the result of neglect or poor hygiene may include the following:
- When many people in a facility contract the infection.
- If people continue to contract the infection even when there should have been enough time for caregivers to isolate residents.
- A person’s infection lingers despite sufficient time to address it.
- The nursing home fails to follow infection control procedures.
- The infection is from a bedsore or pressure ulcer since bedsores may be preventable with sufficient medical attention.
- There are long periods between patient checks.
- There is poor oral hygiene, indicating overall uncleanliness.
- You see soiled or infrequently changed linens.
- Trash and waste are piling up, and there are cluttered, dirty areas.
- There are frequent or repeated infections.
- You receive unclear or delayed answers when asking about a resident’s medical condition.
Determining if a nursing home infection is the result of negligence or poor hygiene may require an investigation. A Greenville nursing home abuse attorney can gather records and use the legal process to build your case.
How Infections Like UTIs, Sepsis, and Pneumonia Turn Deadly
When an infection occurs, the body’s natural reaction is to fight. But the body’s immune response can be overwhelming. Excessive inflammation can damage organs, lower blood pressure, and prevent organs from receiving the oxygen that they need. Organ failure and death may occur.
For example, when a person has pneumonia, air sacs fill with fluid, which can prevent the lungs from sending oxygen to the body. Without oxygen, the organs may shut down.
Sepsis can be treated with antibiotics and fluids, while oxygen therapy can support the organs. Surgery may address specific areas of infection. Finding and removing the infection source can promote healing.
When a Facility May Be Liable for Preventable Infections
A nursing home or care facility may be liable for a preventable infection if it doesn’t take reasonable steps to prevent an infection from occurring or spreading. The nursing home must have an infection control plan, recognizing that nursing home residents are vulnerable and live in a community setting.
Each situation is evaluated individually. The nursing home must take reasonable steps to prevent infections in general and must do what is reasonable to address a specific vulnerability or outbreak.
Proving a case may depend on witness statements, medical records, activity logs of nursing home activity, and infectious disease experts. You may have an attorney to represent you.
Contact an Experienced Greenville Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Bobby Jones Law is an experienced local Greenville nursing home abuse lawyer. If you or a loved one has suffered a nursing home infection, you may have a compensation claim. Contact us now to meet our team and see how we advocate for people like you. Call or message us now.
