
Poor hygiene can be extremely dangerous for elderly nursing home residents. The immune systems of seniors are typically compromised due to advanced age and medical conditions, making it easier for infections and illnesses to have devastating and possibly fatal effects on residents. A lack of hygiene in a nursing home is unacceptable since it puts residents’ health at risk. Poor hygiene can contribute to, and cause, several conditions such as:
- Bacterial pneumonia
- Bedsores
- Respiratory infections
- Urinary tract infections
- Gastrointestinal illnesses
- Antibiotic resistant staph infections
- Skin and soft tissue infections
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a staggering 1-3 million serious infections occur in nursing homes and long-term care facilities each year. The CDC further states that these infections are a major cause of hospitalization and death.
If your loved one is living in unsanitary conditions and is suffering from injuries and illnesses as a result, they are the victim of nursing home neglect. A Tulsa soiled clothes or other signs of poor hygiene attorney can help. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for your free consultation to find out if you have a case against a negligent nursing home.
Signs of Poor Hygiene in Nursing Homes
Nursing homes are responsible for ensuring not only good personal hygiene of their residents, but also general cleanliness of all areas of the facility. Signs of bad hygiene in a nursing home can be:
- Soiled bedsheets
- Soiled clothing on residents
- Staff not changing diapers regularly
- Residents looking unwashed and unkempt
- Dirty common areas
- Unhygienic bathrooms
- Staff not washing and sanitizing hands regularly
- Unpleasant odors
- New bedsores
- Recurring infections
Noticing signs of poor hygiene on your loved one and in their surroundings can be upsetting. You moved your loved one into a nursing home with the understanding that they would be well cared for around the clock. Instead, you find them neglected and treated without the care, respect, and the dignity that they deserve. This is unacceptable.
Federal and state laws protect nursing home residents from bad hygiene. Oklahoma State Statute, Title 310, Chapter 675 addresses cleanliness and hygiene of nursing facilities, among other provisions, stating that cleaning and disinfecting of general areas, bedding, and rooms must be regular to avoid spread of pathogens.
You may have legal recourse and help is available. If your loved one is suffering from preventable diseases or infections due to bad hygiene, contact a Tulsa soiled clothes or other signs of poor hygiene lawyer to find out if you can hold a nursing home accountable. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm now and let us advise you on your legal options.
Nursing Home Neglect
Nursing home neglect is a serious offense and you can hold a nursing home accountable for any unsanitary conditions leading to your loved one’s injuries or death. A nursing home could be negligent in various ways, and generally, this involves putting profits over the health and well-being of your loved one and other residents. Reasons for the neglect could be:
Nursing Homes Not Adequately Staffed
Not having enough staff at a nursing home can have disastrous consequences for the residents. There may not be enough employees to help residents with their basic daily tasks such as personal hygiene and eating or drinking. There may not be time to change clothing and bedsheets frequently or address any wound care promptly.
Unqualified or Untrained Employees Working in a Nursing Home
Nursing homes may hire untrained or unqualified staff to try and cut costs. Employees might not be qualified or trained in the proper procedures and protocols around hygiene, food safety, and infection prevention. This can be dangerous for all residents. Not adhering to basic safety standards and protocols can lead to food poisoning, infections, and other health problems.
Nursing Home Negligent Hiring
Turnover of employees can be high in nursing homes, making it potentially challenging to recruit enough suitable staff. The nursing home should be vetting employees adequately to ensure they have the proper qualifications and a clean background. Not doing so can result in negligent hiring and expose residents to staff who may have a criminal background.
A nursing home could also lack proper procedures and policies for ensuring a good standard of hygiene. A long-term care facility is, by law, required to be free of neglect and abuse. If your loved one suffered ill effects from a lack of hygiene, the nursing home could be responsible. Contact a soiled clothes or other signs of poor hygiene attorney serving Tulsa for help.
For a free legal consultation with a Tulsa Soiled Clothes or Other Signs of Poor Hygiene Lawyer serving Tulsa, call (800) 842-6336
Possible Compensation for Neglect That Occurs in a Nursing Home
You do not have to accept poor hygiene and nursing home neglect and could potentially file a personal injury or wrongful death claim against a facility. You might be able to recover compensation for:
- Past and future medical bills
- Transportation costs for medical reasons
- Long-term disability
- Emotional anguish
- Physical pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Funeral costs
- Loss of companionship
If the nursing home has acted particularly negligently, you could also receive punitive awards in addition to these compensatory damages. Since compensation is dependent on the severity of injuries and other factors of your case, damages can vary from one case to the next. Your best option is to contact a Tulsa soiled clothes or other signs of poor hygiene lawyer for advice on compensation you could receive.
Tulsa Tulsa Soiled Clothes or Other Signs of Poor Hygiene Lawyer Near Me (800) 842-6336
Contact the Office of a Nursing Home Neglect Attorney for Help Today
Nursing home neglect is upsetting for the entire family. It is also immoral and illegal. You do not have to accept this mistreatment of your loved one and you could have legal recourse. We understand that taking on a nursing home by yourself is daunting and the legal process can be complex and confusing.
We are here to help you with all aspects of holding a nursing home accountable without charging any upfront attorney’s fees. We can gather the evidence and witnesses to build a case, and fight for you in court. Timely action is important not only to help your loved one get justice and compensation, but to help stop the potential neglect of other residents also.
Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today and find out how we can help you.
Call or text (800) 842-6336 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form