Nursing home abuse is a distressing reality that affects countless elderly individuals across Illinois. When abuse or neglect occurs in a nursing home facility, severe health complications can occur, such as sepsis. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the body’s extreme response to infection. If your loved one is suffering from sepsis and you believe abuse or neglect by nursing home staff is the cause, contact an attorney immediately.
Neglected Wound Care and Infections
One of the most direct pathways from nursing home abuse to sepsis is the improper handling of wounds. Bedsores, also known as pressure ulcers, are common among residents with difficulty moving around. These potentially dangerous wounds can become easily infected if not treated properly.
Nursing home staff must reposition immobile patients, clean and dress wounds, and monitor for signs of infection. Neglecting these essential tasks creates a breeding ground for bacteria, which can enter the bloodstream and trigger sepsis. Given the weakened immune systems of many nursing home residents, these infections can escalate rapidly, resulting in severe health crises.
Poor Hygiene Practices
Adequate hygiene is fundamental to preventing infections that can lead to sepsis. However, in cases of nursing home abuse, residents may suffer from poor hygiene practices. This neglect can include infrequent bathing, improper cleaning of medical equipment, and unsanitary living conditions. Bacteria thrive in these environments, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections and other unpleasant and potentially dangerous bacterial invasions.
When unhygienic practices continue, the likelihood of an infection progressing to sepsis increases significantly. Caregivers must maintain rigorous hygiene standards to protect residents from such preventable dangers.
Lack of Food and Fluids
Elderly residents who experience malnutrition and dehydration due to neglect are also at a higher risk of developing infections that can lead to sepsis. Proper nutrition and hydration are crucial for maintaining a robust immune system capable of fighting off infections. Nursing home abuse might involve withholding food and water or failing to provide balanced meals and proper fluid intake.
Furthermore, residents become more vulnerable to infections because their bodies lack the necessary resources to combat pathogens effectively. A weakened immune system is less capable of defending against minor ailments and diseases, which can escalate to sepsis if not treated.
Contact Our Peoria County, IL Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney
The connection between nursing home abuse and the development of sepsis is a stark reminder of the critical role that proper care plays in the health of residents. If your loved one is suffering from a preventable condition like sepsis, our Peoria, IL, nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers at Nursing Home Injury Center can help. Call 309-524-6900 for a complimentary consultation.
