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Pneumonia in Nursing Homes
Pneumonia is one of the most common illnesses in nursing homes. In fact, it is a leading cause of death among persons who are 65 years of age or older. There are a variety of factors that make nursing home residents susceptible to catching pneumonia. However, with proper nursing home care many cases of pneumonia may be successfully treated or avoided. If you, or a loved one, currently live in a nursing home, you should be aware of the primary ways to reduce exposure to the illness. You should also be familiar with the symptoms so that you may recognize the illness at the earliest possible time.
Pneumonia basics
Pneumonia is a lung infection that is caused by a virus or bacteria. The infection may occur in one or both lungs and generally travels through the air after a person with the illness coughs or sneezes. A person can catch pneumonia by breathing in the virus and infecting the lungs, where it settles in the air sacs and spreads and multiplies. The lung air sacs begin to fill with fluid as the body attempts to fight off the infection.
Who is most at risk?
There are a variety of reasons for the large-scale pneumonia problem at nursing homes. Some include:
- Nursing homes are enclosed spaces. The disease is "trapped," and can travel through ventilation systems from room to room.
- Nursing home residents are predisposed to respiratory illnesses due to weakened immune systems from a variety of medical conditions and medications.
- Poor oral hygiene, which can result in an increase in growth of respiratory pathogens.
- Any disease, condition, or treatment that may cause a resident difficulty when coughing and breathing. Coughing helps the body rid the lungs of the pathogens before they have a chance to multiply.
How can it be prevented?
Under the federal standards, nursing homes have the responsibility to provide each resident with the "necessary care and services to attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being." 42 C.F.R. § 483.25. While pneumonia is a difficult disease to contain, there are certain things that a nursing home should do to lessen the chances of its spreading. For example, there are certain vaccinations that may reduce the occurrence of the illness. Second, if there is any chance that a resident may have contracted pneumonia, the facility should conduct an immediate comprehensive assessment of the resident's health. This should include a full analysis of the resident's vital signs and communication with a doctor. Finally, if a resident is diagnosed with pneumonia, there must be a timely decision regarding hospitalization. Timely hospitalization may save a resident's life, while also protecting other residents.
What are some of the warning signs of pneumonia?
All nursing home workers and family members must be concerned when a resident displays common pneumonia symptoms.
Generally, pneumonia begins with a cold, with the patient developing the following symptoms:
- High fever
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Chills
- Cough
- Head and muscle aches
Wrongful death claims
As stated above, nursing homes have a responsibility to provide a resident with the best care possible. This includes the best possible protection from pneumonia. Unfortunately, some nursing homes fail in this duty. The worst outcome of such a failure is the wrongful death of a resident.
Nursing homes can be held liable for the wrongful death of a resident when:
- The death was caused by the neglect, negligence, or misconduct of the facility or its employees, and
- A surviving qualified family member or dependant has suffered some injury as a result of the death.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, it is very difficult to prevent all pneumonia illnesses at nursing homes. However, if a nursing home takes proper precautions, it may greatly reduce occurrences of the illness. When a nursing facility fails in its duty to protect its residents, it may be liable. If you or a loved one has been a victim of nursing home abuse or negligence, contact an elder law attorney to discuss your legal options.
Form: Pneumonia in Nursing Homes
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