It is an unfortunate fact that infections have become quite common in nursing homes. Infections in nursing homes are a major cause of disease and even death among elderly persons living in these types of homes. Infections tend to occur at a high rate in nursing homes and assisted living facilities for a few different reasons:

• Many staff members at nursing homes have had inadequate training, and they therefore do not completely understand the principles to control infections;
• Some residents of nursing homes suffer from cognitive impairments, and they may be unable to follow basic hygiene precautions, which can lead to infection;
• Nursing home residents are often residing in confined and small living areas. They also often participate in many group activities, where infections may be able to spread easily.
• Many residents are in nursing homes in the first place because they suffer from some form of disease. A person who already has a disease is more likely to contract an infection. It can also be more difficult to diagnose infections and disorders in the elderly, so this may contribute to a delay in treatment.

The most common infections residents in nursing home and skilled nursing facilities tend to suffer include: Urinary Tract Infections, Scabies, Pneumonia, Staph, and Sepsis, among others.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

Urinary Tract Infections are infections that may occur anywhere along a person’s urinary tract. Infections of the urinary tract are the most common in nursing home facilities. Approximately 25% to 50% of all patients who live in nursing home facilities will have Urinary Tract Infections. This type of infection can spread quickly as many patients with a Urinary Tract Infection lack symptoms.

Scabies

Scabies is a skin disease that is also common in nursing homes. It is a contagious and infectious skin disease, caused by Sarcoptes scabiei, which is also known as the itch mite. Because of their weakened immune systems, elderly persons tend to be more susceptible to scabies than those in the general population. In addition to nursing homes, it is also common for outbreaks of scabies to be reported in hospitals, hostels, and other places where elderly people may be residing. If scabies is not treated properly, it can lead to additional infections and death.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is a respiratory infection that occurs in the lungs. It is a common illness that is thought to affect millions of people in the United States every year. The main causes of pneumonia are germs called viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Studies estimate that over 60% of all respiratory illnesses in the United States are pneumonia.

Sepsis

Sepsis is a serious infection in which bacteria overwhelms the bloodstream. This infection is more deadly in elderly persons because of their weakened immune systems. As sepsis progresses, it starts to impact organ function and can eventually lead to septic shock. Septic shock is a drop in blood pressure that can be fatal. It is possible to recover from sepsis with proper and early treatment.

Have You or a Loved One Experienced an Infection in a Nursing Home or Assisted Living Facility?

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