Nursing Home Abuse Infections

The numbers of Americans residing in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and long-term care facilities are on the rise. Some nursing homes are overcrowded and understaffed. The elderly are always more at risk because of infirmity, illness or just old age to contracting infections. Underlying chronic diseases will weaken the immune system in individuals. Infections run rampant in those who are weakened anyway. Some patients who are taking regular doses of medication are also at risk of infection because of some medications effect on the immune system. Another issue for the elderly is the fact that many have lost some cognitive and mobility strength and thus are unable to take care of themselves by regularly brushing their teeth, washing their face, showering and otherwise keeping themselves clean. If the personnel at the nursing home are overworked and understaffed, they may not be able to notice regularly that a resident is not taking care of their own personal hygiene.

It is widely available now for nursing home residents who are eligible to receive annual flu shots, pneumonia vaccines and shingles vaccines. This inoculation process has helped in preventing these common illnesses.

The flu is a deadly virus when it attacks a weakened elderly person with other complications. Flu shots are recommended. Because the flu is contagious in confined areas, such as a nursing home, other residents can be exposed to the virus by way of coughing and sneezing from others. It is critical that nursing home staff is aware of individuals who have been exposed to the flu.

Another common infection that develops in nursing home residents and spread around is the illness related to inflammation of the intestines in stomach sometimes referred to gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis can be caused by a virus or bacteria that can be spread through food contaminations and other individuals. The most common symptoms of this illness are diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain. Many of the factors to be considered in the spread of gastroenteritis are that it is extremely contagious.

There are other resistant bacteria that are spread by way of wound and skin infections. Healthcare workers in hospitals often infect patients with MRSA. MRSA can be associated with respiratory urinary tract, wound and skin infections. There are other infections that are resistant to antibiotics and thus the bacteria are transferred from patient to patient if the nursing home personnel are not taking the appropriate steps to prevent the spread of these bacteria.

Infections can be deadly. Especially in the elderly who are more susceptible that the rest of the population who are healthier and younger and whose immune system is stronger. Infections of the smallest kind could lead to sepsis and then to septic shock in the kind that results in organ failure and then death. Many of the infections that are contracted in nursing homes are preventable. In a case where there is nursing home abuse or neglect, you or a family member or loved one, may be entitled to compensation for injuries suffered. Many nursing home abuse cases arise because of unnecessary and preventable injury or death of a nursing home resident. The cause of many nursing home abuse or injury cases are associated with the onset of infections that remain untreated, unrecognized or not treated soon enough to save a resident. These cases of infection arise because of sub-standard care, abuse or neglect by staff or administrators. Many Illinois nursing homes operate without a single staff physician who would be on-call to take care of the early signs of infection. However, most well-run Illinois nursing home facilities, long term care facilities do provide for on the premises treatment by a resident physician, trained registered nurses, CNAs, therapists, dieticians and other medical and nursing providers who would in most cases identify a patient’s infection by the correct symptoms such as fever, rapid heartbeat, increased respiratory rate and elevated white cell blood count if a blood test were done. Deadly infections at nursing homes are observable, preventable and predictable.

If you or a loved one has been suffering or died as a result of nursing home infection, contact Kreisman Law Offices.

Robert Kreisman of Kreisman Law Offices has been handling Chicago and Illinois nursing home abuse cases for more than 40 years. Kreisman Law Offices has prevailed in trials and settlements in Chicago, Illinois and surrounding communities and has successfully resolved cases for those injured or abused in nursing homes for these many years.

With our years of experience in trying and settling nursing home abuse cases, Kreisman Law Offices provides the best possible services to our clients and have achieved unsurpassed results. Our service is unmatched. Please call us 24 hours a day at 312.346.0045 or toll free 800.583.8002 for a free and immediate consultation, or complete a contact form online. There is no charge for a consultation that will include an evaluation of your case.

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