Infections

Every nursing home has a legal and ethical duty to provide a safe, sanitary, and comfortable environment for its residents. This includes taking all reasonable steps to prevent the development and spread of infections. Residents have the right to receive adequate medical treatment and appropriate nursing care—especially when their health and well-being depend on it.

Unfortunately, infections in nursing homes are all too common and can arise from a variety of causes, including:

• Urinary or fecal incontinence
• Catheters or stomas
• Bedsores or other skin wounds
• Surgical incisions
• Chronic or underlying medical conditions
• Neglect-related accidents
• Exposure to communicable diseases

To prevent infection, nursing homes must evaluate each resident’s clinical condition and risk factors, then implement a personalized care plan based on the resident’s needs and recognized care standards.

Preventative measures include:

• Practicing proper hygiene and handwashing protocols
• Changing bedding and clothing regularly
• Timely replacement and maintenance of catheters or dressings
• Repositioning residents to prevent pressure ulcers
• Monitoring for early signs of infection and responding with prompt medical care

When an infection does occur, the resident must receive appropriate and timely treatment to promote healing and prevent serious complications or further transmission.

At Lowe Trial Lawyers, we’ve seen the harm caused by nursing homes that fail to follow basic infection control procedures. If your loved one developed a preventable infection while in a nursing home, contact us today. We’re here to help your family seek answers—and justice.