Infections can be deadly for people of all ages, but those who are older than 65 are particularly vulnerable. In fact, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, infectious diseases are the third leading killers of senior citizens in the United States.
Although there are many types of bacteria and complications related to infections, these four conditions are especially common in nursing homes:
- Urinary tract infections;
- Skin infections;
- Bacterial pneumonia;
- And gastrointestinal infections.
If you or a loved one contracted an infection due to nursing home abuse or neglect, contact the Truman Law Firm P.C. Ronald W. Truman is a personal-injury attorney in Las Vegas who will evaluate your case, interview witnesses, structure your claim and help you pursue the maximum compensation.
Mr. Truman graduated top 10 percent of his class from Brigham Young University. Call 702-821-1821 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Until then, here is a brief overview of four common infections in nursing homes:
- Urinary Tract Infections
UTIs are possibly the most common infection among senior citizens. Diabetes and catheter use can increase a patient’s risk.
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, women are twice as likely to suffer UTIs as men are. If you notice unusual symptoms such as urinary incontinence, or behavioral changes such as dementia or confusion, then a UTI may be to blame.
- Skin Infections
As skin ages, it loses its ability to heal quickly and resist disease. This makes senior citizens susceptible to shingles, pressure ulcers, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, and even fungal or bacterial foot infections.
Pain, lesions and excessive itching are common symptoms of skin diseases and infections. Most skin infections respond well to treatment, but they can cause severe complications if left unaddressed.
- Bacterial Pneumonia
Pneumonia can be deadly if left untreated. According to the AAFP, pneumonia sends more than 60 percent of elderly citizens to the hospital each year. Their risk is high for many reasons including age-related diseases, lung capacity changes and lifelong exposure to environmental pollutants. Common signs of bacterial pneumonia include delirium, confusion and weakness.
- Gastrointestinal Infections
Gastrointestinal infections are extremely common in elder care facilities, and they can be deadly. Age-related complications affect the growth of healthy gut bacteria, which puts seniors at a high risk of gastrointestinal infections. Nausea, abdominal pain, fever, diarrhea and dehydration are common symptoms of GI infections.
If you or your loved one suffered an injury or illness due to nursing home neglect, contact the Truman Law Firm P.C. Ronald W. Truman is a nursing home abuse attorney in Nevada who will evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
He is a member of the American Association for Justice and the Utah Association for Justice. You will pay no attorneys’ fees without a successful recovery. Call 702-821-1821 to schedule a free initial consultation.
