When poor hygiene in a nursing home is more than an isolated event, it can constitute as nursing home abuse.
Nursing homes are like other medical facilities such as hospitals, doctor’s offices, and rehabilitation centers. Cleanliness and hygiene are of utmost importance to keep patients and residents safe. Residents have a right to expect that their facility is sanitary and that their personal care needs are being met. Unhygienic nursing homes can jeopardize the resident’s already fragile health.
Poor Hygiene in the Nursing Home Facility
Many nursing residents need help with their basic personal care. This can include:
- Bathing
- Dressing
- Going to the restroom
- Changing their bandages
- Brushing their teeth
- Trimming their nails
- Shaving
- Haircare
- Changing their diapers
Since most residents are unable to complete these tasks independently, they rely on staff members to provide this care. If employees are careless about the resident’s hygienic needs, this can be considered a form of nursing home neglect.
Uncleanliness in Nursing Homes
It is essential to provide a clean environment in nursing facilities to avoid the spread of germs. Life-threatening diseases can stem from a lack of sanitation.
Showers, bathrooms, and eating areas that are not regularly disinfected are among some of the riskiest areas where germs can spread between residents.
Tables, chairs, and other high-touch surfaces also need to be sanitized regularly in order to keep germs from spreading to the nursing home residents.
How Sanitation Issues Threaten Residents
Poor hygiene in a nursing home can lead to many medical conditions, such as:
- Infections- bacterial, urinary, etc.
- Bed sores
- Influenza
- Colds
- Diarrhea
- Ringworm
- Athlete’s foot
- Lice
- Scabies
A lack of proper sanitation can be deadly to residents who already have suppressed immune systems or preexisting medical conditions.
Why Do Nursing Facilities Neglect Proper Hygiene?
There are multiple reasons why nursing homes sometimes suffer from a lack of proper hygiene. Some of the common reasons behind this problem include:
- Understaffing– This leads to insufficient time to keep the building clean and care for residents.
- Failure to properly train employees- Many nursing home employees who fail to provide proper care are simply undertrained.
- High turnover rates among staffing- Because of understaffing issues and low wages, nursing homes are known for having high turnover rates.
- Inadequate policies and procedures for facility cleanliness and resident care- Hygiene issues might be a product of inadequate policies set by the facility.
If Your Loved One Has Suffered Abuse, Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton Can Help
Here at Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton, we understand that poor hygiene in a nursing home facility is a warning sign that should not be ignored. If you suspect that your loved one is a victim of neglect, our nursing home abuse lawyers will help you seek justice so that your family can heal.
We have built a reputation in the community for providing personal and compassionate legal services. We have offices in Provo, Orem, Saratoga Springs, and West Jordan, Utah. Contact us for a free case evaluation today.