Infections are particularly deadly among the elderly due to their weak immune systems. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, infectious diseases are a leading cause of death among senior citizens in the United States.
Unfortunately, infections are common in nursing homes – especially when staff members are neglectful. If your loved one suffered an infection in a retirement home due to negligence or abuse, then the at-fault staff member or facility may be liable for damages.
These four types of infections are particularly common in nursing homes:
- Bacterial pneumonia;
- Urinary tract infections;
- Gastrointestinal infections;
- And skin infections.
If you or a family member was a victim of nursing home neglect or abuse in Mississippi, contact Morris Bart, LTD. You may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses and other damages.
Let’s take a closer look at four common infections in retirement homes:
Bacterial Pneumonia
According to Health Line, bacterial pneumonia is an infection in one or both lungs. It can be deadly if left untreated. Elderly people are particularly susceptible to bacterial pneumonia due to changes in lung capacity.
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Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections are common among senior citizens. Certain conditions, such as diabetes and those that require the use of a catheter, can increase the risk of developing a UTI.
Gastrointestinal Infections
Gastrointestinal infections can be deadly, and they are alarmingly common in nursing homes. There are several reasons why elderly people are more vulnerable to these infections – for example, they tend to lack healthy bacteria in the gut.
Senior citizens are susceptible to dehydration after even a minor gastrointestinal infection. Nursing home staff members should be trained to identify and treat this condition.
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Skin Infections
Skin plays an important role in preventing illnesses and infections. However, aging causes the skin to lose elasticity and its ability to heal quickly after a cut. As such, elderly people are susceptible to a wide range of skin infections related to pressure ulcers, shingles and fungi.
Skin infections are particularly common among residents who are bedridden. Staff members should turn patients regularly to prevent bedsores and infections. Failure to do so may constitute neglect.
Nursing home abuse and neglect are deplorably common in the United States. If your family member suffered an infection or injury, or died as the result of mistreatment at a retirement home, then you should contact an attorney to discuss your legal options.
A personal-injury lawyer in Biloxi from Morris Bart, LTD will help you put a stop to the abuse. Our legal team will evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim against the at-fault staff member or facility.
We have been representing the injured for more than 30 years. Call 800-537-8185 today to schedule a free initial consultation.
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