Nursing home residents are at a high risk of infection without proper care. If infections are not quickly contained and treated properly, they can run rampant in assisted living facilities and other long-term care homes. Proper prevention and control are essential.
If you are concerned that your loved one suffered an infection at their care facility due to improper healthcare treatment, a Pennsylvania nursing home abuse lawyer from Munley Law can help you understand your legal rights in pursuing justice.
Preventing Healthcare-Associated Infections in Nursing Homes
Over 1.5 million people live in long-term care across the United States, and these individuals experience roughly 2 million nursing home infections annually. With higher rates of mortalities and extended hospitalization for the elderly, long-term healthcare facilities must be held to high standards for preventing diseases and their spread within nursing homes. Effective prevention requires commitment from all levels of staff, from administrators to direct healthcare providers. Key areas of focus include:
- Cleaning and Disinfection: High-contact surfaces, resident rooms, common areas, and equipment must be regularly and properly cleaned and disinfected to minimize the survival and spread of pathogens. Regular and thorough handwashing, as well as the use of hand sanitizer, by staff, residents, and visitors, can support this.
- Isolation Precautions: For residents with known or suspected infections, implementing appropriate isolation precautions is vital to preventing transmission to other residents as well as staff. Personal protective equipment (PPE) like gowns, gloves, and masks can be used when contact is necessary.
- Vaccination: Promoting vaccinations for residents and staff against common infectious diseases, such as influenza, pneumonia, and COVID-19, may reduce outbreaks in nursing homes.
- Reporting: A reporting system should be in place to enable facilities to identify patterns of outbreaks and pinpoint areas for improvement. Employees should be encouraged to speak up when they see something wrong, without worrying about repercussions.
Proper training for all staff and healthcare personnel on infection prevention principles, including proper handwashing, cleaning and disinfecting, PPE usage, and reporting, is fundamental. Educating residents about infection prevention measures empowers them to participate in this initiative for a safer living place as well. If you feel like your loved one is not being cared for with proper infection prevention and care, reach out to a nursing home abuse attorney to discuss the legal rights in your specific situation and to see if you have a case.
Controlling the Spread of Infections in Long-Term Care Facilities
Even with the most stringent prevention measures, infections occur. When they do, rapid and effective control measures must be implemented to prevent widespread outbreaks in assisted living facilities. These measures begin with early recognition and diagnosis of infections in residents. Staff should be trained to identify signs and symptoms of infection, allowing for timely isolation measures, diagnostic testing, and treatment. Consistent and ongoing surveillance of residents’ health is important for early detection and intervention. Regular health assessments and monitoring for subtle changes can significantly impact the speed of outbreak containment.
Medical treatments for infections often involve antibiotics or antiviral medications. Staff must be sure to use these medications properly, as overexposure to antibiotics is associated with a higher risk of drug-resistant strains of bacteria, such as C-dif outbreaks in nursing homes. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 25 to 75% of antibiotics prescribed in assisted living facilities are considered unnecessary.
In the event of an outbreak, staff must be prepared with a comprehensive response plan, including identifying the source, isolating affected residents, and increasing disinfection and cleaning throughout the facility. Communication and transparency with residents, staff, and families about infections and control measures should be open. This includes providing clear instructions on how to prevent further spread and what actions are being taken to protect everyone. Regular updates on the situation and recovery efforts will help maintain trust and cooperation with all involved.
Common Healthcare-Associated Infections in Assisted Living Facilities
Unfortunately, not all nursing homes adhere to these essential healthcare standards. When that happens, infectious outbreaks can occur, allowing residents to suffer from neglect and low standards. Infections that could have been prevented by basic care can lead to serious illness, extended hospitalization, increased morbidity and mortality rates, diminished quality of life, and emotional distress for residents and families.
Residents in assisted living facilities are particularly vulnerable to certain types of infections due to factors like age, weakened immune systems, chronic health conditions, and close living arrangements. Some common infections in assisted living facilities include:
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- Urinary Tract Infections: Often caused by reduced mobility, incontinence, and catheter issues.
- Viral Respiratory infections: Pneumonia, Influenza, COVID, RSV, and other respiratory infections can be spread easily by residents due to close quarters and easy airborne transmission.
- Skin and Soft Tissue Infections: Pressure or bedsores are a common issue with immobile patients, but can also be a sign of nursing home neglect. Spreadable conditions like scabies, fungal infections, and other skin issues may also present issues for residents.
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- Gastrointestinal Infections: Norovirus, or the stomach flu, is a common and highly contagious virus that is particularly dangerous for older adults, as the symptoms of severe vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration and other medical issues. In addition, Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) is a highly contagious bacterium that causes diarrhea and colon inflammation in residents who have been on antibiotics that disrupt the gut’s natural balance of good bacteria.
- Multi-Drug Resistant Organisms (MDROs): Bacteria and microbes resistant to multiple antibiotics are extremely difficult to treat and a major health concern for those living in long-term healthcare facilities. These often include Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE), Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase (ESBL), and Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE), according to the CDC.
When infection prevention and control standards are not met, people living in assisted care facilities are put at risk. If you love someone who has suffered due to incorrect diagnosis or care, contact our nursing home abuse lawyers to learn what your options may be.
Call the Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers at Munley Law for a Free Consultation
If your loved one suffered an infection in a nursing home and you suspect it was due to improper healthcare treatment or neglect, contact us to understand your legal rights. A Pennsylvania nursing home abuse attorney from Munley Law can help assess your situation, investigate the circumstances surrounding the infectious outbreak, and help you pursue justice for your loved one. Contact us today for a free case consultation.
