Increase in Norfolk Nursing Home Neglect Cases Caused by Infections

Nursing homes have important standards to meet in order to prevent the spread of germs that cause infections amongst the elderly patients in these facilities. While nursing homes have a responsibility to maintain a high level of infection control, staff do not always follow the proper precautions. As a result, germs spread freely from patient to patient or staff to patient.
The elderly do not have strong enough immune systems to fight off the infections caused by these germs. Most infections are caused by the spread of germs through hand-contact; the airborne transmission of germs is relatively low. In nursing homes throughout Virginia, an infection may also result from a resident ingesting food or water that is contaminated.
If your loved one has been susceptible to infections since entering a Virginia nursing home, he or she may be a victim of Norfolk nursing home neglect and abuse. Virginia nursing home infections are preventable through:

• Proper hand hygiene for staff and residents
• Thoroughly and regularly washing and bathing the residents
• Using personal protective equipment such as disposable gloves, masks, gowns and aprons
• Keeping clothing, bedding, personal items (such as tooth brushes), flooring, furniture and food areas clean
• Proper management and disposal of needles
• Cleaning and disinfecting patients' rooms
• Keeping sick visitors from entering the facility

Watch for the following symptoms to help you determine whether your loved one has been subjected to continuous infections as a result of Norfolk nursing home neglect:

• Subnormal temperature
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Decreased appetite 
• Dehydration
• Headaches and achiness
• Swelling
• Skin infections and rashes

If you suspect that your loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse in Virginia, contact Michael Weisberg, an experienced Norfolk nursing home neglect attorney. Call our office toll free at (800) 690-0235 or complete the contact form on this page to speak with a knowledgeable Norfolk nursing home neglect lawyer.