Nursing homes are similar to other health care facilities when it comes to the risk of exposure to unsanitary conditions. Residents and their families should be able to expect cleanliness and sanitary conditions in a nursing home.
Nursing residents often suffer from several conditions linked to their age. Their immune systems are often not adequately equipped to handle exposure to germs which may be linked to poor cleanliness in a facility.
Facility staff are responsible for regularly sanitizing
- Bathrooms
- Kitchens
- Resident rooms
- Door handles
- Countertops
- Tabletops
- Railings
- Medical equipment
These are areas where dangerous germs such as bacteria and viruses tend to live. Infections and outbreaks in nursing homes can be prevented
What Causes Unsanitary Conditions In Nursing Homes?
Common causes of insanitary living conditions include:
- Insufficient staff: Understaffing is a major problem in nursing homes due to high turnover rates, low pay, and lack of interest from prospective employees. This results in limited time for staff to thoroughly clean a facility. Nursing home staff are often under a lot of pressure to meet residents’ needs, which may cause them to forget cleanliness procedures such as wiping down counters or washing hands.
- Lack of proper training: It’s absolutely critical that nursing home staff are properly trained on how to maintain a sanitary facility and safely handle food.
- Poor nursing home management: Some nursing homes fail to have policies or standards for proper facility sanitization.
What Illnesses Are Residents At Risk Of?
Bacterial infections are common in nursing homes, many of which are resistant to antibiotics. The most common bacterial infections include:
- Urinary tract infections
- Bacterial pneumonia
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
- Streptococcus
Viral infections can spread easily from person to person in nursing homes. The most common ones we have seen have been:
- Respiratory infections such as influenza, viral pneumonia, and COVID-19
- gastrointestinal viruses such as norovirus
How Can I Take Legal Action Of My Loved One Became Ill?
If your loved one sustained a severe illness because of poor sanitary conditions, the nursing home can be held legally responsible for neglect. That’s why it’s critical that you take legal action and consult with an experienced Alabama nursing home neglect attorney.
The attorneys at Braswell Murphy are dedicated to protecting the rights of residents who have been harmed by nursing home neglect. Our law firm can help you seek justice and recover the compensation you need. Contact us online for a Free Case Evaluation. We serve clients in Alabama and Georgia.
