What is the Leading Cause of Death in Nursing Homes?
A nursing home is supposed to be a place of care, but that’s not always the case. Unfortunately, many patients can face injuries or even die at nursing homes. These circumstances were often preventable, leaving loved ones angry and confused.
In this article, we’ll discuss the leading causes of death in nursing homes, what to look out for if you believe your loved one’s death was preventable, and what legal options you have. You are not alone, and Nursing Home Law Center LLC is here to help.
Statistics on Nursing Home Deaths
According to the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, it’s estimated that about 24 percent of deaths in the United States are within nursing homes. They suggest the number will continue to grow. [1]
Residents in nursing homes are particularly vulnerable because of their increased age and limited mobility. The National Center for Biotechnology Information recently found that the mortality risk was higher in nursing homes. In comparison, there was a lower risk of hospitalization while in the nursing facilities. [2]
While nursing homes are intended to help provide top-notch medical care to their residents, recent studies suggest they may be doing the opposite.
Common Causes of Deaths in Nursing Homes
So, what is the leading cause of death in nursing homes? Read on to learn more about pneumonia and how it is taking the lives of many nursing home residents prematurely.
Pneumonia is a Leading Cause of Death
Pneumonia is a lung infection that makes breathing difficult for individuals. This is because the air sacs within their lungs have been filled with fluid or pus. Pneumonia can be prevented, but once contracted, it can be fatal for nursing home residents.
Prevalence of Pneumonia in Nursing Homes
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, pneumonia impacts about 1-2 in every 1,000 nursing home residents. If patients require hospitalization for their pneumonia, they could have a mortality rate from 13% to 41%. [2]
Pneumonia can quickly spread through nursing homes because they are closely contained. Residents can be infected by inhaling germs, touching contaminated surfaces, or using dirty utensils or glasses.
If a nursing home is not adequately cleaned and sanitized, pneumonia can quickly spread. The American Lung Association shares the contagious period depending on the type of pneumonia a person has. It can range from 48 hours to as long as you’re symptomatic. [3]
Pneumonia can be devastating and deadly for nursing home facilities, and their recovery rate can depend on various risk factors.
Risk Factors for Pneumonia
Elderly patients have more risk factors that can increase their risk of catching pneumonia.
- Weakened Immune System: Many nursing home residents have weakened immune systems, including health issues that make them more vulnerable.
- Difficulty Swallowing: A substance or germ can get stuck in a patient’s throat, causing a bacterial infection to develop, leading to pneumonia.
- Immobility: Patients with limited mobility can have an increased risk of fluid building up in their lungs.
- Weakened Chest Muscles: They may be unable to cough to clear their throats and lungs, causing the fluid to build up in their lungs.
Combined with unsanitary living conditions, pneumonia is one of the leading causes of death in nursing homes.
Symptoms and Complications
If you believe you or your loved one is suffering from pneumonia, keep an eye out for the following symptoms.
- Difficulty Breathing: Labored breath, shortness of breath, rapid shallow breathing, wheezing, and bubbling sounds while breathing can all indicate pneumonia.
- Chest Pain: Breathing and coughing can be excruciating for those with pneumonia.
- High Pulse: Elderly patients may have a high pulse (over 120 bpm) if they fight off an infection.
- Body Temperature: Older people often either have a high fever or a low body temperature when contracting pneumonia.
- Change in Behavior: They may feel confused or lose consciousness.
Patients contracting pneumonia may also face complications impacting their quality of life. They include:
- Respiratory Failure: Some patients may even require a ventilator and other life-saving interventions to breathe.
- Sepsis: The infection can spread to the blood and can be caused by pneumonia.
- Organ Failure: Pneumonia can lead to heart failure, kidney failure, inflammation of the heart, and other conditions.
Pneumonia can be deadly for nursing home residents. If you suspect you or a loved one have contracted it, seek immediate medical care.
Other Significant Causes of Death in Nursing Homes
Pneumonia may be the leading cause of death in nursing homes, but that is not the only one. Other significant causes of nursing home deaths include the following conditions.
Heart Disease
Heart disease is prevalent among elderly nursing home residents. The risk of heart disease increases with age. The National Institute on Aging shares that hearts cannot beat as fast as they once did. Additionally, heart chambers may increase inside, and the blood flow valves can become stiffer and thicker. [4]
Your heart changes as you age, and it can lead to higher mortality rates in nursing homes. You can decrease your risk of heart disease by eating a healthy diet, staying active, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Stroke
Stokes are a common cause of nursing home deaths, especially for immobile patients. Blood clots, high blood pressure, and head trauma can cause them. Stroke survivors may develop limited mobility, difficulty speaking or thinking, and other health life-long health conditions caused by the lack of blood flow and oxygen to the brain.
They carry some of the same risk factors as heart disease, and you can reduce your risk of stroke by living a healthy lifestyle. Mainly, you should avoid smoking, alcohol, and poor diet choices to reduce the risk of stroke.
Cancer
Cancer is a common cause of nursing home deaths. The risk of developing cancer increases as patients get older. While certain lifestyle choices can increase the risk of developing cancer (smoking, drinking, etc.), there are also genetic and environmental components.
Many times, the cancer treatment can be aggressive and compromise a patient’s immune system. They may develop a secondary infection that can cause their death.
Infections
The elderly are at high risk of developing life-threatening infections. Their often impaired immune systems make it easier for them to contract an infection.
Common infections include:
- Urinary Tract Infections: UTIs can impact the kidney, bladder, and urethra.
- Sepsis: Untreated illnesses can lead to blood infections that can be fatal.
- Staph Infections: Skin infections often resistant to antibiotics can cause serious health concerns.
- Influenza: Respiratory infection that is very contagious and can quickly spread throughout the air and on surfaces.
- Gastrointestinal Infections: Norovirus and other illnesses that cause diarrhea can lead to dehydration.
If left untreated, many of these infections can lead to preventable nursing home deaths.
Falls and Injuries
Injuries can be fatal among the elderly. The CDC reports it is the leading cause of death for people over the age of 65. Unfortunately, falling is common among the elderly because they often have limited or restricted mobility. They may have balance issues or vision problems that can add to the risk. [5]
Simple hazards like items on the floor or an uneven step can cause severe injury or death in nursing homes if patients are not careful. These unsafe living conditions are entirely preventable, and the nursing home could be found negligent and liable for the death.
Preventable Deaths in Nursing Homes
While some causes of death in nursing homes are natural, there are also many preventable deaths in nursing homes.
Negligence and Abuse
If a patient is not adequately cared for, the neglect they face in the assisted living facility may cause their death. They could develop bedsores that lead to infection or other severe injuries because of their unsafe living conditions.
Additionally, nursing home abuse can also take place. The staff or other patients may physically, mentally, or emotionally abuse a nursing home resident. These behaviors can lead to nursing home deaths that were preventable.
Medication Errors
Patients can receive the wrong medicine, including prescriptions that are not theirs, incorrect dosages, or not receive their medicine at all. These medication errors can cause severe injuries and health complications.
The patient may face unintended side effects, like dizziness, heart palpitations, loss of consciousness, and, in some cases, death because of the nursing home’s mistake.
Inadequate Staffing and Training
Nursing homes can often be understaffed and underfunded. They may not properly train their staff, so they don’t know how to interact with their patients properly.
This may lead to neglect because nursing home staff are responsible for too many patients. It can also lead to nursing home staff not knowing how to handle medically complex patients, which can lead to serious medical complications. Together, these factors can impact the overall health and well-being of facility nursing home residents.
Infection Control
Nursing homes may not take the proper precautions to control or prevent infections in nursing homes. Employees may not wear or adequately dispose of personal protective equipment like masks and gloves. They may not sanitize medical equipment, bedding, eating utensils, and other commonly used items.
Because of the facility’s negligence, infection can spread in nursing homes and lead to deadly conditions.
Fall Prevention
Nursing homes can take steps to reduce the risks of falls and injuries among residents, including ensuring carpeting is stabled down, there are no uneven surfaces, and items are removed from the ground.
They should also ensure patients with limited mobility do not get up and move around without assistance. Nursing homes make living conditions safer for their residents by taking these steps.
The Role of Nursing Home Law Firms
When nursing homes fail to provide proper care and maintain positive living conditions for their residents, they can be held accountable. Nursing Home Law Center can help families get justice for their loved ones.
Investigating and Holding Nursing Homes Accountable
Law firms can help families investigate potential negligence or nursing home abuse cases. They can request medical records, video footage, and other information to help build a case against the facility and hold nursing homes accountable for preventable deaths.
Seeking Justice for Families of Nursing Home Residents
It is not enough to hold nursing homes accountable for their role in preventable deaths. Law firms can also help your family seek justice and compensation for the wrongful death of your loved one.
This can include compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages that you faced due to their negligence. It can’t bring your family member back, but it can help you get justice for their treatment.
Advocating for Improved Care
Law firms also play a big role in advocating for better care standards and practices in nursing homes. They work hard to ensure that no other family has to deal with the same loss that you did. Many nursing homes have to adjust their practices after they are held liable, which helps prevent future tragedies and nursing home deaths.
Secure Expert Legal Representation
Nursing Home Law Center deeply understands the responsibility of long-term care facilities to care for older people; however, many nursing homes fall short. You have legal options if your loved one faces severe injuries, hospitalization, or death while within their care.
Contact us today at (800) 926-7565 or by filling out the form on our website for a free consultation to discuss your concerns. Our nursing home neglect and abuse attorneys can help you navigate your legal options and get the justice you deserve.
References: [1] Journal of the American Medical Directors Association, [2] National Center for Biotechnology Information, [3] American Lung Association, [4] National Institute on Aging, [5] CDC