Nursing homes are supposed to be havens for the elderly, where they can receive the care and attention they need in their golden years. Unfortunately, these facilities are frequently breeding grounds for common infections. To make matters worse, seniors living in close quarters are more susceptible to the spread of bacterial and viral infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and skin infections, and these contagions pose a greater risk of serious illness or even death for these older residents.
To schedule a free case review with a nursing home abuse & neglect lawyer serving Baltimore, call Brown & Barron at (410) 698-1717 or contact us online today!
Nursing homes are required to have thorough infection prevention protocols and training to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. There are regular unannounced inspections at most nursing homes to ensure that these infection prevention regulations are being followed. Unfortunately, poor standards of infection control are the most common violations found by inspectors. Most of these violations receive little more than a warning, and even when fines are imposed, they are too low to make a difference. The result is the spread of contagious infections to healthy individuals, resulting in preventable illness and deaths for nursing home residents.
Although many infections can be treated with antibiotics, they can also lead to more serious complications in older adults who may already have weakened immune systems. That's why it's so important for nursing home staff and visitors to take extra precautions to prevent the spread of infections and keep residents healthy.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is a common and highly contagious infection that is often seen in nursing homes. It can cause diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever, which can be especially dangerous for elderly patients. Not only can it put them at risk for dehydration, malnutrition, and other complications, but the outbreak can spread rapidly throughout the facility.
Preventing and managing outbreaks of gastroenteritis is therefore a critical component of nursing home care. Nursing staff must be vigilant in monitoring for symptoms, maintaining strict hygiene protocols, and promptly isolating any affected residents to prevent further spread of the infection. By taking these measures, nursing homes can help protect their vulnerable patients from the dangers of gastroenteritis.
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Influenza
Influenza is a serious concern in nursing homes, where residents are already vulnerable to illness. The virus can spread rapidly in communal living spaces, making it difficult to contain. Nursing home staff must take special precautions to prevent outbreaks, including frequent hand washing, wearing masks, and isolating sick residents. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, influenza still poses a significant risk to nursing home residents.
That's why it's important for the staff to be vigilant and respond quickly to any signs of illness. By taking steps to prevent and manage influenza outbreaks, nursing homes can help protect their residents and limit the spread of this dangerous virus.
Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections in nursing homes can be very serious and pose a real threat to vulnerable residents. It's important to identify symptoms early and take measures to prevent the spread of infection.
Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of respiratory infections in nursing homes. This includes promoting good hand hygiene, ensuring proper ventilation, and isolating residents who show symptoms of infection. With the right precautions in place, we can keep our most at-risk population safe and healthy during cold and flu season.
Contact our team at (410) 698-1717 today.
To schedule a free case review with a nursing home abuse & neglect lawyer serving Baltimore, call Brown & Barron at (410) 698-1717 or contact us online today!