An unclean premise does not only create a problem with appearance but also leads to poor hygiene. Nursing homes have an obligation to meet their residents’ basic needs and maintain sanitary premises for their safety. According to Aging Health, infections in nursing homes can lead to elderly residents experiencing medical complications, sometimes so severe that they lead to fatalities.
Unclean premises in nursing homes can directly lead to residents experiencing infections. If caregivers and other staff members are not vigilant to sanitize the premises thoroughly and regularly, germs can easily spread. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between one and three million life-threatening infections occur every year in nursing homes across the country.
Potential Infections Arising From Unclean Premises
A variety of infections can arise from an unsanitary nursing home. One of the worst things that can occur after an infection is sepsis. According to Mayo Clinic, sepsis is the body’s reaction to a severe infection, but the life-threatening condition can lead to inflammation and organ damage.
While it is possible to recover from sepsis, it can have long-term effects. Elderly adults may take longer to recover, as their immune systems may already be weakened. Additionally, infections can complicate any existing medical condition a resident already has.
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Unclean Premises May Cause Physical Injuries
Along with infections, unclean premises can lead to a resident falling and injuring themselves. If a common room is cluttered, for example, an elderly resident who uses a walker may trip over an object.
Falls can result in severe injuries, especially for elderly adults since their bones become frailer with age. An injury to the hip can permanently disable an elderly adult, for example. The National Institutes of Health notes that this is a leading cause of fatality in elderly adults.
Examples of an Unclean Premise
Some examples of an unclean premise in a nursing home may include:
- Unsanitary bathrooms
- Cluttered walkways
- Dirty floors
- Soiled or dirty furniture
- Unsanitary kitchens and dining areas
- Rodents and bugs
- Overflowing trash cans
- Unwashed dishes
Residents of nursing homes should not have to live in unclean premises. If a family visits their loved one only to find the same unsanitary conditions time after time, they have reason to suspect that the nursing home is neglecting its premise. If this is the case, the nursing home may also be neglecting its residents, as well.
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Reporting a Nursing Home for an Unclean Premise
According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), nursing homes that accept Medicaid and Medicare must comply with certain rules and regulations. Part of the requirements involves maintaining the safety and health of their residents. To do this, a nursing home must keep their premise clean to avoid the spread of infections and illnesses, which can have serious health consequences for elderly adults.
If a nursing home fails to properly sanitize its premise, including common areas, and residents suffer illnesses, the nursing home may be found liable for its negligence. If this happens, victims and family members can report the nursing home directly to CMS in a complaint. If the nursing home does not address the problem, you have the option to escalate the complaint with Adult Services or the police.
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Seek Legal Representation for Your Case
If your elderly loved one suffered an injury or illness due to an unclean premise, you may qualify to seek compensation.
You can file a claim with the nursing home’s insurance company, and if negotiations do not result in fair compensation, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit on your loved one’s behalf. If a resident died due to the illness or injury, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
You do not have to go through the legal process alone. You have the right to seek legal counsel and hire representation when filing a claim or lawsuit. A nursing home abuse lawyer with Ben Crump Law, PLLC can determine your legal options and handle your case.
When you hire us, we can help you investigate the cause of the illness or injury, gather evidence to establish liability, and accurately assess your losses. If your loved one faces any ongoing medical conditions due to the original infection or injury, we can help you seek compensation to cover that as well as your medical expenses.
Do not wait to determine your legal options. For a free consultation, call us at 800-959-1444.
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