How Do Infections Happen in Nursing Homes?
Nursing homes are supposed to provide a safe and comfortable place for elderly residents who require care and support. Due to the close proximity of residents in these faculties, though, many people suffer from a number of common infections. Viral and bacterial infections can spread quickly from one resident to another and it is critical that staff members take the necessary precautions to protect all residents.
There are many different infections that can spread through long-term care facilities such as pneumonia, skin infections, and urinary tract infections. Although it is impossible to prevent residents from getting sick entirely, staff members should take certain measures to ensure residents are kept safe. Below, our Tampa sepsis and infections attorney explains in further detail.
What Infections are Common in Nursing Homes?
While a nursing home can experience an outbreak of nearly any type of infection, there are some that are more commonly seen in these facilities than others. These include:
- Urinary tract infections
- Pneumonia
- Influenza
- Diarrhea
- Skin infections
- Bed sores
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
- Clostridioides difficile (C-diff)
- Respiratory tract infection
- Sepsis
- Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
How Do Infections Occur in Nursing Homes?
Residents in nursing homes often have weakened immune systems and they share a communal living space. These factors combined can result in infections spreading quickly through a facility. Elderly residents must share equipment and space, allowing germs to move easily from one person to the next. Nursing homes also see a number of visitors every day, as loved ones visit with residents. This can also bring germs from the outside into a nursing home, causing residents to become sick.
How Can Nursing Homes Prevent Infections?
Again, it is impossible for nursing home staff members and administrators to prevent infections from spreading entirely. However, there are several precautions they can take to try and minimize the risk of infections.
First and foremost, all staff members should regularly wash their hands, especially after they have come into contact with affected surfaces or residents. This is one of the most basic ways to prevent infections from spreading. Clothing and linen must also be washed regularly and screening measures for staff should be implemented to ensure no one works while they are sick.
Nursing homes should also implement effective infection control policies that protect the safety and health of residents. Visitors should be kept to a minimum, particularly with sick residents, and be required to wear a mask while visiting. When possible, sick residents should also be isolated from other residents and visitors until they are no longer contagious.
Call Our Sepsis and Infections Attorney in Tampa Today
If your loved one has suffered from an infection while in a nursing home, you may be able to take legal action. At Kohn Law, our Tampa sepsis and infections attorney can advise you of your options and help you through the process so your loved one obtains the full and fair settlement they deserve. Call us now at 813-428-8504 or contact us online to request a consultation and to get the legal help you need.
Source:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499/0400/0400.html
