Today, more families than ever are making the difficult decision to place their elderly family members in nursing homes when they are no longer able to live on their own. When this is done, the families trust that the facility selected will provide proper care for their loved ones.
However, if a nursing home does not provide the help and assistance a resident need with things like bathing, staying clean, and changing clothes, the resident may be at risk for developing serious and sometimes life-threatening illnesses and infections. Because of this, poor hygiene may lead to nursing home abuse and the need for Nursing home abuse attorneys.
The Violation of Sanitation Standards
Sanitation is an important part of nursing home care. The main reason for this is the large number of seniors living in the facility that may have weakened immune systems. If there are viruses, bacteria, and germs present, it will threaten the health of the residents and may result in diseases that could be prevented.
According to federal law, nursing homes are required to always maintain sanitary and clean facilities. Some of the sanitation standards that must be met by all facilities include training for staff regarding proper sanitation, training about how to contain and dispose of biological or medical waste, turning residents to avoid bed sores and help encourage mobility, help with grooming, bathing, and toilet use, keep the floor free from fall hazards, and ensuring food areas are clean and sanitized.
Inadequate Cleanliness in Nursing Home Facilities
While nursing home staff members are required to maintain the facility and keep it in sanitary condition, there are many around the country that do not maintain these standards. If there is a lack of cleanliness in a nursing home, it may be a sign that those living there are suffering from issues related to poor hygiene and a lack of proper care.
Some of the signs of a lack of cleanliness that family members should watch for include unclean showers or bathroom areas, the presence of mold and mildew, unclean food prep and serving areas, unclean bathtubs, trip hazards, and dirty common areas.
Improper Staffing at Nursing Homes
If a nursing home is understaffed, there is a higher likelihood that there will be unsanitary areas because there are not as many people there to help sanitize these areas. Also, there are not as many people available to help residents with hygiene tasks, such as bathing or toileting. When this happens, germs may spread throughout the space, which can put residents at risk.
Nursing homes that have the proper number of staff members are much less likely to deal with improper hygiene issues. They are also more likely to have staff on-site to keep the property in good order and provide the level of care the residents need.
Hiring an Attorney
If family members notice that their loved one does not seem to have good hygiene or if the facility appears dirty, it may be time to reach out to an attorney. They can investigate the situation and determine if there is cause for a lawsuit.
