Most Common Nursing Home Infections: Oregon Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyers Share When Infections are Caused by Nursing Home Malpractice
We all know that infections are bad, even little children. This means that certain steps and guidelines must be followed to ensure that infections do not occur. This includes washing hands and properly cleaning out wounds, among other basic hygiene. At the first sign of an infection, this means going to a doctor for treatment which could be wound care or antibiotics, or both. These same guidelines and protocol are true in a nursing home or assisted living facility, although the ways that infection occur are much greater. Yet, the point of placing loved ones in nursing homes and assisted living facilities is generally that we cannot afford to properly care for our loved ones without extra help. Thus, we expect nursing home staff to help care for our loved ones. While many nursing homes do a superior job at this, unfortunately our Oregon nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers know that far too many nursing homes fail. This is why nursing home infections are a problem.
Problems in Oregon Nursing Homes
Indeed, infections in a nursing home are a big problem. According to government statistics, there are between 1 to 3 million serious infections every year at nursing homes, skilled nursing facilities, and assisted living facilities with about 380,000 fatal infections. Considering that there are about 5 million residents in these facilities, this translates to almost 60% of all residents suffering a “serious” infection each year. That is a massive number and a dangerous number which hints at Oregon nursing home abuse and neglect.
Most Common Types of Nursing Home Infections in Oregon
There are several types of infections which could result from Oregon nursing home abuse and neglect. Each of these types are very serious and could result in catastrophic harm or wrongful death to an innocent resident. The most common infections in Oregon nursing homes include the following:
Respiratory infections – This is the most common type of nursing home infection because it could be just the simple cold which is passed around every winter. However, for an elderly patient who is ill or recovering from other health complications, a powerful cold could result in permanent injury or wrongful death. In fact, respiratory infections could be fatal if not properly treated and cared for by trained healthcare providers.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) – UTIs are common in nursing homes, although they really should not be. This is because UTIs can be caused by catheters that are not used properly or unsanitary conditions. Improper hygiene could also result in UTIs, even from just the way a caregiver wipes a patient client. Nutrition and hydration are also possible causes of UTIs, which really should not occur if residents are properly monitored.
Influenza – Like respiratory infections but only deadlier, the flu could quickly spread through a nursing home. This is a health emergency in a nursing home and infected individuals should be quarantined and never allowed to mingle (or infect) other residents. Nursing homes must have strong disinfectant policies and move aggressively to prevent the spread of the flu.
Pressure Sores or Pressure Ulcers or Bed Sores – Residents that are bedridden or mobility limited are vulnerable to pressure sores or pressure ulcers, also known as bed sores. This is a very dangerous condition which can be almost entirely avoided by just flipping or adjusting the positioning of a person. But when the friction and pressure of bedsprings or wheelchair springs remain on the same spot of the body for too long, that could cause a breakdown of tissue which could damage skin tissue. That skin tissue begins to deteriorate which could cause open injuries and result in infections. Serious pressure sores can also cause necrosis of the tissue around it. Pressure sores usually cause infections and frequently result in horrible instances of sepsis.
Did a Loved One Suffer ANY Type of Infection in a Nursing Home? We Can Investigate for Free
Yes, it is true that infections can happen even in the best of nursing homes. And yes, infections could be unavoidable and natural consequences of some conditions that residents have. However, many times infections are caused be simple failures in nursing homes to care for patients.
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured or killed as a result of nursing home abuse or neglect contact the Oregon Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers at Kuhlman Law at our number below or fill out the intake form. We offer a free initial case evaluation and handle cases on a contingency fee which means that you pay no money unless we recover.
Our law firm handles cases throughout the state including Bend and Portland Oregon, Redmond, Central Oregon, Sisters, Madras, Multnomah County, Deschutes County, Salem, Eugene, Corvallis, Lane County, Medford, Gresham, La Grande, Albany, Medford, Beaverton, Umatilla, Pendleton, Cottage Grove, Florence, Oregon City, Springfield, Keizer, Grants Pass, McMinnville, Tualatin, West Linn, Forest Grove, Wilsonville, Newberg, Roseburg, Lake Oswego, Klamath Falls, Happy Valley, Tigard, Ashland, Milwakie, Coos Bay, The Dalles, St. Helens, Sherwood, Central Point, Canby, Troutdale, Hermiston, Silverton, Hood River, Newport, Prineville, Astoria, Tillamook, Lincoln City, Hillsboro, and Vancouver, Washington.
We also have an office in Minneapolis, Minnesota and take Nursing Home Abuse cases throughout the Twin Cities, including St. Paul, Hennepin County, Ramsey County, Dakota County, Washington County, Anoka County, Scott County, Blaine, Stillwater, and Saint Paul Minnesota.
Please act quickly, there is a limited time (Statute of Limitations) in which you can bring a claim under the law.
