INFECTIONS IN CHARLESTON, IL NURSING HOMES
Call Our Central & Southern Illinois Attorneys
Infection is one of the most common risks facing nursing home residents today. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated one to three million serious infections occur in U.S. nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living facilities each year. Every year, as many as 380,000 patients and residents lose their lives as a result of these infections. Elderly patients of nursing homes and assisted living facilities are at an increased risk of infection due to weakened immune systems, preexisting conditions, and the fact that they may be bedridden, may be unable to use the restroom on their own, and may have difficulty eating or drinking. Proper nutrition, hygiene, and other simple steps can reduce risk and spread of infection, but at some nursing homes, caregivers are negligent and fail to meet patients’ basic needs. Some facilities may have improper procedures in place to prevent, identify, and treat infection. If you or a loved one developed a serious infection at a nursing home, it is important to consider whether negligence played a role. If the facility failed to provide a reasonable level of care, and this resulted in an infection that caused serious injury or death, this may provide grounds for a viable nursing home abuse lawsuit. Our team at Spiros Law, P.C. can investigate the matter to determine what caused the infection, whether it was properly treated, and whether the facility should be held accountable.
Our Charleston, IL nursing home infection attorneys can talk to you about your legal options and how to move forward. Call (217) 516-3451 for a free, confidential consultation.
Types Of Nursing Home Infections
Nursing home residents may be at risk of developing specific types of infections. These include:
- Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): This type of infection occurs when bacteria enter the body through an open wound. It may also be introduced through catheters or breathing tubes. MRSA is resistant to antibiotics and is spread by physical contact, making it a serious problem in nursing homes.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs): Catheter use and dehydration can increase the risk of UTIs in elderly residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities. This bacterial infection can cause symptoms such as incontinence, confusion, worsening of dementia, and behavioral changes.
- Pneumonia: Immobility, diabetes, cardiopulmonary disease, and smaller lung capacity may place seniors at an increased risk of pneumonia, but its symptoms can be difficult to recognize in elderly patients. Nursing home caregivers must be vigilant about watching for signs and treating pneumonia as quickly as possible.
- Influenza: Weakened immune systems and preexisting health conditions place seniors at risk of influenza. With elderly patients, it is not just “the flu.” Influenza can sweep through a nursing home if proper containment measures are not in place. It can develop into pneumonia and may even threaten the lives of already fragile patients.
Call Our Charleston, IL Elder Neglect Lawyers
When neglect leads to infection at a nursing home, Spiros Law, P.C. is there to seek justice on behalf of its victims. If your elderly loved one suffered serious harm or lost his or her life as a result of an infection, we can investigate the matter to see whether you have a claim. We have fought for victims of elder abuse and neglect since 1996 and are prepared to see how we can help you.
