Infections are dangerous for nursing home residents as they often cause them to face life-threatening conditions, with their families being forced to watch as they struggle. For this reason, it is important to take action against the negligent nursing home staff and facilities that allow these infections to develop.
Understanding the cause of infections in Indianapolis nursing homes could help determine who was liable in a case against the nursing home or individual employees.
Several common infections can affect nursing home residents in Indianapolis, including:
UTIs can occur when bacteria gets into the urethra, eventually spreading to the bladder. While UTIs may be relatively easy to detect based on a patient’s expressed discomfort, nursing home residents may not be as vocal about the condition, especially if they already suffer from other health conditions. Symptoms of UTIs include:
These infections can be treated with daily hygiene, drinking plenty of water, or antibiotics.
Elderly individuals are also more susceptible to staph infections caused by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. This bacteria often sits on the skin, but it can cause a serious infection when it gets into a lesion, including anything from a small cut to an open wound. The following are some symptoms to look for:
These infections can quickly spread through unclean bedding, clothing, and medical equipment, as well as through direct physical contact between residents.
Another common infection in long-term care facilities is pneumonia, which often develops secondarily from another type of infection. Pneumonia develops when bacteria cause the lung’s air sacs to swell with liquid, which can make it difficult for the resident to breathe. Residents may cough or display breathing difficulties. Failure to properly treat pneumonia or any underlying conditions causing it could have fatal consequences.
Since the virus developed in the U.S., it became commonplace in many nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. Common symptoms include chills, fever, coughing, congestion, sore throat, breathing difficulties, fatigue, and loss of smell or taste, among others. Implementing proper quarantine measures and administering appropriate treatment can help prevent the spread of this highly contagious disease.
Nursing home staff and the facilities they work for must properly maintain a safe environment for residents. Otherwise, infections could easily occur and spread to multiple residents. Helping residents with hygiene as needed, using sterile equipment, regularly changing residents’ clothes and bed sheets, and taking steps to prevent and treat infections all contribute to keeping residents safe.
Failure to take these steps could lead to life-threatening conditions, making staff or facilities liable for the resident’s illness and subsequent damages.
If you believe that negligent facilities or staff are responsible for your loved one’s infection, an experienced personal injury lawyer may be able to build a case in your favor. If you would like help proving liability in a case involving infections in Indianapolis nursing homes, connect with an attorney in a free consultation.
