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Infection In Nursing Homes
Infection seriously affects vulnerable patients’ health and well-being. Many nursing home residents are older adults with weakened immune systems and underlying health conditions, making them more susceptible to infections.
Common infections in nursing homes include urinary tract infections (UTIs), skin and soft tissue infections, and respiratory infections. These infections can have severe consequences and may lead to hospitalization or even death.
Did your loved one suffer a serious infection that led to a health decline or wrongful death? The personal injury attorneys at Nursing Home Law Center, LLC legally advocate for those living in caregiving homes who have been neglected, mistreated, or abused by others.
Contact our nursing home abuse lawyers at (800) 926-7565 or use the contact form to schedule a free consultation. All confidential or sensitive information you share with our legal team remains private through an attorney-client relationship.
Types of Nursing Home Infections
Infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in elderly populations. Some of the most common infections involving nursing home residents include UTIs, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and soft tissue infections.
Urinary Tract Infections
UTIs are one of the most common infections in nursing homes. UTIs can occur in both men and women and are caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract through the urethra.
UTI symptoms may include frequent urination, pain or burning during urination, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
Nursing home residents with weakened immune systems, chronic wounds, or indwelling medical devices are at increased risk for developing MRSA infections. Preventative measures include good hand hygiene, isolation precautions for infected residents, and judicious use of antibiotics.
Common Infections in Nursing Facilities
In addition to MRSA or a urinary tract infection, nursing home residents are at increased risk for other commonly acquired infections, including soft tissue and skin infections as well as Clostridium difficile (C-diff) infections.
Lower Respiratory Tract Infections
Severe infections affecting the lower respiratory tract, such as pneumonia, significantly cause morbidity and mortality in nursing home residents. Symptoms of respiratory infections may include cough, fever, and difficulty breathing.
Residents with underlying lung conditions, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), are at increased risk for developing respiratory tract infections. Preventative measures include regular hand washing, vaccination against influenza and pneumococcal disease, and prompt treatment of infections among nursing home patients.
Emerging Infections in Nursing Home Facilities
Many nursing home residents with aging health issues experience weakened immune systems, increasing their susceptibility to emerging infections. These emerging infections may include developing infectious gastroenteritis, resistant gram-negative bacilli, aspiration pneumonia, herpes zoster, and infectious diarrhea.
Feeding Tubes and Risk of Infection
Feeding tubes are a common intervention used in nursing homes to provide nutrition to nursing home patients with difficulty eating or swallowing. However, tubes can increase the risk of infection, particularly if they are not properly cared for or left in place for prolonged periods.
Risk Factors for Developing Infections
Several risk factors are associated with the development of infections, leading to hospitalization or even death. Nursing home patients with diabetic wound infections or peripheral vascular disease are at increased risk for developing pressure ulcers.
Preventative measures for infected pressure ulcers include regular skin assessments, turning and repositioning, and appropriate wound care. These skin infections can develop quickly, becoming deadly if not treated immediately.
All chronic wound infections should be monitored for signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, swelling and tenderness. Medical attention should be sought immediately if these symptoms of degrading skin infections are present.
Antibiotic-Resistant Organisms in a Nursing Home Setting
Antibiotic-resistant organisms (AROs), such as MRSA and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), are a growing concern in caregiving homes. Overuse of antibiotics can contribute to the development of AROs.
Nursing home residents with weakened immune systems, indwelling medical devices, or a history of antibiotic use are at increased risk for developing infections caused by AROs.
Prevention and Management of Infections
Preventing and managing infections in caregiving homes is crucial to ensure the health and well-being of nursing home residents. Effective prevention and management strategies can help reduce infection incidence and improve resident outcomes.
Common Infection Preventative Measures
Preventative infection measures include regular hand hygiene, vaccination against influenza and pneumococcal disease, and proper wound care for nursing home residents with chronic wounds or pressure ulcers.
Nursing home patients with indwelling medical devices, such as catheters or feeding tubes, should receive proper care and monitoring to prevent infections.
Management of Nursing Home Infections
Prompt identification and treatment of infections is critical to prevent the spread of infections and improve outcomes for affected nursing home residents. Treatment may include antibiotics or other medications, depending on the type and severity of the infection.
Nursing home residents with severe infections may require hospitalization for more intensive treatment. Identifying and treatment are essential to address underlying risks that may contribute to developing infections, such as pressure ulcers or chronic wounds.
Overall, preventing and managing infections in nursing facilities requires a multi-faceted approach, including preventative measures, prompt identification and treatment of infections, and ongoing monitoring and management of infection risks.
Treating Infections
Prompt and appropriate treatment of infections is essential for residents in a nursing home setting. Effective treatment can help reduce the spread of infections, prevent complications, and improve outcomes for affected residents.
Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
Treatment for skin and soft tissue infections in nursing home residents may include antibiotics, wound care, and debridement, depending on the type and severity of the infection.
Nursing home residents with chronic wounds or pressure ulcers may require specialized wound care and treatment to prevent the spread of infection and promote healing. In addition, addressing underlying risk factors for skin and soft tissue infections, such as diabetes or peripheral vascular disease, is important to prevent recurrent infections.
Urinary Tract Infections
Treatment for UTIs may include antibiotics or other medications, depending on the severity and underlying cause of the infection.
In addition, good hygiene practices, such as frequent toileting and proper catheter care, can help prevent recurrent infections. Overall, prompt and appropriate treatment of infections in nursing home residents is essential to avoid complications and improve outcomes.
Treatment may involve a multi-disciplinary approach, medication management, and wound care. By providing effective treatment and management, nursing homes can help improve the health and well-being of their residents.
Clostridium Difficile Infections
C-diff can cause serious infections in nursing home residents. Infections can occur due to overuse of antibiotics or other disruptions to the normal balance of bacteria in the gut. Symptoms of C. difficile infections may include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain.
Residents with weakened immune systems, a history of antibiotic use, or exposure to C. difficile in healthcare are at increased risk for developing C. difficile infections. Risk factors for C. difficile infections include advanced age and underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or kidney disease.
Appropriate Use of Antibiotics
The appropriate use of antibiotics is crucial to prevent the development of antibiotic-resistant infections in nursing homes. Overuse of antibiotics can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant organisms, which can be challenging to treat and may result in more serious infections.
In addition, the overuse of antibiotics can lead to other complications, such as C. difficile infections, which can be particularly problematic for older adults. To promote the appropriate use of antibiotics in nursing homes, healthcare providers should follow evidence-based guidelines for treating infections.
Over-Diagnosed Infection Among Nursing Home Residents
In nursing homes, over-diagnosis of infections is a growing concern, with many residents being unnecessarily treated with antibiotics. Over-diagnosis can lead to various negative consequences, including developing antibiotic-resistant infections and other complications.
Secondary Infections
Secondary infections can occur in nursing home residents treated with antibiotics for an infection. Antibiotics can disrupt the healthy balance of bacteria in the gut, leading to the overgrowth of harmful bacteria, such as Clostridium difficile.
Symptoms and Contributing Risks
Symptoms of secondary infections may include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. Nursing home patients with weakened immune systems or a history of antibiotic use are at increased risk for developing secondary infections.
Prompt identification and treatment of secondary infections is essential to prevent the spread of infection and improve outcomes for affected residents. Treatment may include medications to treat the infection and supportive care to manage symptoms.
Hire Personal Injury Attorneys to Resolve a Preventable Infection Compensation Claim
Did you or a loved one suffer a secondary infection that led to severe harm? It’s important to seek legal representation.
Family members and caregivers can file a report and compensation claim for elder abuse, and it’s essential to do so quickly. Our personal injury attorneys at Nursing Home Law Center, LLC offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid after you do.
Call our nursing home abuse attorneys at (800) 926-7565 or use the contact form to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
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Nursing Home State Laws
Nursing home abuse lawsuits must be pursued according to the laws set forth by the state where the facility is located. In this section, our attorneys have compiled the relevant laws, regulations and local organizations for each state so you can get an idea of how the law impacts your situation. Should you decide to move forward with a case, you will also find information about locating an experienced attorney who can assist your family.