Infections in Thornton Nursing Homes

Families often agonize about the right time to move their mother or father to a long-term care facility. Once they move their family member to a nursing home, they should be able to take comfort in knowing that their loved one will receive the attention they need. Unfortunately, facilities sometimes fail to provide their residents with adequate care, which can lead to serious injuries and illnesses.

If your loved one became ill from an infection, a dedicated nursing home abuse attorney could fight for their right to justice. Infections in Thornton nursing homes are serious matters, so do not wait to take action. Give us a call today to get started.

Infections are Prevalent in Long-Term Living Facilities

Because people in nursing homes live in such close quarters with other residents, they are exposed to many illnesses every day. They are also at risk of infection from close contact with their caregivers, who can easily transmit contagions. When elderly or infirm residents do not receive the medical attention they need, they are more apt to suffer from infections. Because older adults have weaker immune systems, even everyday medical conditions, like the common cold, can turn into life-threatening infections.

Infections can lead to serious and even fatal consequences for nursing home residents. A seasoned Thornton attorney could help establish that a nursing home’s negligence caused or worsened an infection and pursue financial restitution accordingly. In the unfortunate event that a nursing home resident loses their life due to an infection, an attorney could help their surviving loved ones pursue compensation in a wrongful death claim.

How Nursing Homes Can Prevent and Treat Infections

Nursing home employees have a duty to take reasonable care of their residents. Preventing infections is a large part of that duty. Nursing homes that implement infection prevention protocols into their standard operating procedures can often see a decrease in infections rates. For example, homes should have a clear policy of washing hands and minimizing contact between sick people and healthy residents. The staff should constantly assess their patient’s medical needs. If a patient displays any symptoms of illness, the nursing home should recognize it and treat the sickness before an infection sets in.

When nursing homes fail to take reasonable steps to prevent infections, they could be held legally liable for harm that results from their negligence. A seasoned attorney in Thornton could review the nursing home’s employee manual and speak with residents and employees to learn more about whether their procedures were negligent.

Common Types of Infections in Assisted Living Facilities

While older adults are susceptible to many kinds of infection, the following are most commonly seen in Thornton nursing homes:

• Urinary tract infections – Older people with urinary tract infections can experience symptoms of dementia, incontinence, pain, and discomfort.
• Skin infections – Viral infections, like shingles, and bacterial infections, like cellulitis, are more common and more serious with older adults.
• Pneumonia – People’s respiration ability and lung capacity change as they age, so they are more likely to experience pneumonia.
• The flu – Although younger people can usually fight off the flu, it can have a deadly effect on senior citizens.
• Stomach bugs

Regardless of the type of infection, skilled attorneys have the knowledge and the experience to assist with claims against nursing homes. They could investigate what happened and work diligently on a legal claim for compensation.

Work with a Thornton Attorney Knowledgeable About Infections in Nursing Homes

When you put your trust in a long-term care facility, you have the right to expect that they will do everything they can to keep your loved one safe. If your loved one contracted infections in Thornton nursing homes, you might have reasonable cause to file suit. A team of strong attorneys would investigate to see if the nursing home employed simple, preventative measures such as handwashing and isolation of those who are sick to prevent infections.

If your loved one’s illness or death could have been prevented, the nursing home and its staff should be held legally and financially accountable for their negligence. Let a dedicated and compassionate attorney help you­ – call today to learn more.