How Can Nursing Home Negligence Lead to the Spread of Infections?

 Posted on August 18, 2023 in Nursing Home Negligence

Nursing homes are meant to provide a safe and comfortable environment for elderly individuals who require assistance with daily tasks. However, instances of negligence in nursing homes can put residents at risk of developing infections. Viral or bacterial infections can spread rapidly within these facilities due to various factors, and for patients who are vulnerable to harm, these diseases can be life-threatening. For families who have loved ones who have experienced dangerous infections in nursing homes, it is important to understand the forms of negligence that may have put their family members at risk.

Poor Hygiene Practices

One of the primary ways infections can spread in nursing homes is through a failure to maintain proper hygiene. Staff members must adhere to strict guidelines when it comes to handwashing, cleaning surfaces, and providing proper personal care. They must also maintain clean living spaces for residents by regularly cleaning communal areas like dining rooms, bathrooms, and hallways, as well as individual resident rooms. Failure to do so can lead to cross-contamination between residents, who may experience infections such as respiratory illnesses, skin infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and gastrointestinal issues.

Improper handling and disposal of soiled linens or waste products may also contribute to the spread of infectious diseases. Equipment that is not properly disinfected after each use also poses a risk of spreading harmful pathogens throughout a facility. Residents who are exposed to unsanitary conditions are likely to experience higher rates of respiratory infections like pneumonia, or they may develop urinary tract infections due to unclean bathroom facilities.

Inadequate Staffing Levels

Nursing homes often struggle to maintain proper staffing levels due to budget constraints or difficulty finding qualified personnel. Inadequate staffing levels can directly impact resident care by compromising infection control measures. When there are not enough employees available, tasks such as regular cleaning and sanitizing may be neglected or performed hastily.

Lack of supervision may result in staff members skipping necessary precautions while caring for residents who have contagious diseases like influenza or MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). Unattended residents who are infected could potentially come into contact with others, leading to the rapid transmission of diseases among vulnerable nursing home residents.

Poor Training in Infection Control

Proper training in infection control protocols is crucial for all employees working in nursing homes. Without comprehensive knowledge of how infections spread and the necessary precautions that should be taken to prevent these concerns, staff members may unknowingly contribute to the transmission of diseases.

In some cases, nursing home personnel might not receive adequate education and training emphasizing infection control measures that must be followed on a daily basis. This lack of knowledge can lead to mishandling of infected items, improper waste disposal, or failure to recognize signs and symptoms of an infectious disease. These forms of negligence can have severe repercussions on the health of a nursing home’s residents.

Contact Our Will County Nursing Home Infection Injury Attorney

Nursing home residents deserve quality care, and to protect their health and safety, staff members should always follow the proper infection prevention practices. Negligence that leads to the spread of infections in nursing homes is unacceptable, and it can put elderly individuals at serious risk of harm.

If you suspect that your loved one has acquired an infection due to negligence in a nursing home facility in Illinois, Flaherty Law, LLC can help you determine your options for addressing this issue. Our Plainfield nursing home injury lawyer can help identify the causes of serious infections and work to hold a negligent nursing home responsible for the harm your loved one has suffered. Contact us today at 815-577-7500. We offer free consultations, and we will help you determine your best options for taking legal action against a negligent nursing home.

Sources:

https://www.ahrq.gov/hai/quality/tools/cauti-ltc/modules/resources/guides/infection-prevent.html

https://www.cdc.gov/longtermcare/staff/index.html