Unclean Premises Can Lead To Health Concerns

 Posted on January 24, 2024 in Nursing Home Abuse

An unclean nursing home is a form of elder abuse that can lead to poor hygiene and eventual health concerns among patients. Nursing homes and their staff are expected to meet hygiene standards and are obligated to meet the residents’ basic care needs which includes maintaining a sanitary environment. Failure to do so could lead to advanced injuries, illness, and even death in elderly residents. If your loved one is experiencing neglect when it comes to their basic needs or an unsanitary environment in the nursing home, it may be time to invest in a lawyer.

Infections Are A Serious Cause For Concern

Poor hygiene is prevalent in a poorly maintained nursing home which can lead to a rise in deadly infections. Sepsis is a very real possibility for residents in an unclean nursing facility. It is by far one of the worst situations that can occur. It is a life-threatening condition resulting in a reaction from a severe infection that can lead to organ damage and inflammation. It takes longer for the elderly to recover from sepsis if they do at all. Even after a possible recovery, long-term effects may remain, such as a weakened immune system.

Other dangers associated with poor hygiene from unclean premises can include:

• Skin rashes and sores

• Disease outbreaks

• Parasites such as lice, bed bugs, and scabies

• High risk for psychological distress

Spotting An Unclean Nursing Home

The majority of causes for concern in an unclean nursing facility are normally very obvious to the eye. Some examples of what to look for include:

• Cluttered walkways and areas

• Dirty dining areas or kitchens with unwashed dishes

• Overflowing trash cans

• Dirty or soiled furniture

• Unswept or mopped floors caked in dirt or debris

• Various vermin

In all cases, the above is unacceptable in a nursing facility. Any one of these examples could lead to an infectious outbreak or physical injuries. It is quite easy for elderly individuals to slip and fall on unclean floors resulting in severe injuries such as broken bones or lacerations. A cluttered hallway could cause a resident to trip and fall and suffer a dislocated hip or head trauma. Falls are also the leading cause of elderly fatalities and disabilities according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). So it is imperative that nursing home residents receive the care they deserve.

Contact a Cook County, IL, Nursing Home Attorney

Elders should not need to go through what some nursing facilities subject them to in the golden years of their lives. An experienced Chicago, IL, elder abuse lawyer can help correct the wrongs being done to your loved ones. Contact Schwartz Injury Law at 312-535-4625 today for a free consultation concerning the wrongdoings of an unclean nursing home.