Can Unsanitary Conditions or Lack of Hygiene Be Examples of Nursing Home Neglect?

 Posted on February 03, 2021 in Neglect

Individuals with physical or cognitive limitations rely on nursing homes to provide the consistent care they need. Nursing home staff help with daily tasks like eating and bathing as well as medical concerns such as dispensing medication and treating injuries. Another essential responsibility of nursing home staff is maintaining a clean, sanitary environment. Failure to maintain a clean facility, sanitize equipment, and help residents with hygiene-related needs may all be signs of nursing home neglect.

Unsanitary Equipment in a Nursing Home Can Lead to Infection and Illness

Nursing home residents’ bodies are already weakened by age and/or disability. Exposure to viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens can be deadly. Nursing homes should be regularly cleaned and sanitized. Staff should ensure that equipment such as wheelchairs are kept clean and shared equipment is sanitized between residents. Kitchens and dining areas should also be kept clean and free of pests like insects or mice. Unsanitary conditions can lead to conditions such as:

• Colds
• Flu
• Infections
• Athlete’s foot
• Scabies
• Lice
• Ringworm
• Bedbugs

Proper Resident Hygiene is Essential for Physical and Mental Health

Nursing home staff also have a responsibility to help residents themselves remain clean and hygienic. Many residents cannot use the toilet, bathe, or dress without assistance. Some residents are incontinent and rely on adult diapers. When staff do not regularly change residents’ soiled diapers, clothing, or bed sheets, dangerous infections and other medical complications can develop.

Bed sores are another major concern in nursing homes. If a resident develops a bed sore and it is not kept clean, the wound may become infected or even develop into a deadly condition called sepsis. The Mayo Clinic suggests regular cleaning and dressing of bed sores.

Proper hygiene is also essential for resident morale and overall mental wellbeing. Forcing a resident to sit in soiled clothing or live in unsanitary conditions is humiliating and dehumanizing.

Contact a Chicago Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer

Nursing home residents have legal rights that protect them from neglect. If your loved one has suffered due to inadequate sanitation or hygiene in a nursing home, you may have a valid nursing home neglect claim. You may be able to hold the negligent nursing home accountable for your loved one’s substandard care and recover compensation for damages. Contact a Cook County nursing home injury attorney from Schwartz Injury Law to learn more. Call our office at 312-535-4625 and schedule a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bed-sores/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355899