There are many reasons why infections are very common in nursing homes and are a major cause of disease and fatalities among those who reside in these types of assisted living facilities. In many cases, nursing home staffers do not have the proper training or understanding to control infections. Furthermore, residents may be cognitively impaired to follow adequate hygiene precautions, resulting in illness.
The following are the most common nursing home illnesses caused by negligence:
- Pneumonia – Pneumonia is a respiratory infection of the lungs. It is a serious problem for nursing home residents due to increased exposure to bacteria and viruses, smaller lung capacity, and long stretches of time lying down.
- Urinary tract infections (UTI) – UTIs are infections which can occur anywhere along the urinary tract. It is prevalent in nursing homes due to the increased use of catheters and not drinking enough fluids.
- Staph infection – Medically known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), it is a type of skin infect that happens when the bacteria enters the body through a sore or cut on the skin. This type of infection is resistant to antibiotics, which makes it a serious threat to senior nursing home residents.
- Scabies – It is a contagious and infectious skin disease which is caused by Sarcoptes scabiei (itch mite). Since residents generally have weakened immune systems, they are more susceptible to scabies.
- Sepsis – It is a severe infection where the bloodstream is overwhelmed with bacteria. It starts by affecting organ function and eventually results in septic shock.
All of these diseases could be prevented if nursing home staff members are uphold their obligation of providing residents with adequate care and supervision.
If your loved one has suffered an injury or illness due to the negligent actions of nursing home staff in Pennsylvania, contact our Philadelphia personal injury attorneys at Golomb Legal, P.C. today.