Sepsis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition where the body’s response to an infection harms its own tissues. The processes that fight infections turn on the body and start to damage tissue, causing organs to function poorly. Sepsis is often caused by viruses, bacterial, and fungal infections. Those with weak immune systems and with the risk of exposure to infections are more likely to suffer from sepsis.
The elderly often are the most at risk for developing sepsis. In a 2019 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 201,092 deaths in the United States involving sepsis, and three-fourths of those included individuals over the age of 65. Nursing homes often pose significant risk factors for sepsis since the residents are older and suffer from weakened immune systems.
4 Causes of Sepsis in New York Nursing Homes
While sepsis is not contagious, the infections that cause the condition can spread to other individuals. Nursing homes must take the necessary precautions and measures to prevent the spread of infections within the community. If a nursing home does not correctly follow its duty of care, there can be severe consequences for the residents.
The following are the top causes of sepsis in New York nursing homes:
Increased Risk of Infection From Visitors
Nursing homes often see many visitors come and spend time with their loved ones. While these visits are also important for the well-being of residents, there is also a risk of spreading infections that cause sepsis.
Healthcare-Acquired Infections (HAIs)
In some cases, nursing home residents are transported to and from hospitals. The elderly can easily develop healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) while traveling back and forth from receiving medical care. They can also bring back these conditions into assisted living facilities without knowing they suffer from an infection.
Poor Infection Control
An infection-control program is a plan of action or procedures put in place to limit the spread of infections and lower the possible risk of contraction. For nursing homes, these procedures are essential for the well-being of their residents. However, if a nurse or the facility fails to take precautionary measures, someone can suffer severely.
Abuse and Neglect
A significant cause of sepsis in nursing homes is neglect and abuse. One of the many types includes medical neglect, where a nurse fails to provide the proper treatment and prevention for conditions that can harm elderly residents. Helping patients move around regularly can prevent bedsores and reduce the likelihood of contracting an infection.
What Are the Early Symptoms of Sepsis?
The sooner you identify any signs of sepsis in an elderly resident, the higher the chances are for the elderly patient to recover from the dangerous condition. If you believe that your loved one is suffering from sepsis, contact your doctor and seek medical attention.
Consider the following early symptoms of sepsis:
- Fever, chills, shivering
- Shortness of breath
- High heart rate
- Clammy or sweaty skin
- Extreme discomfort or pain
- Disorientation and confusion
Seeking medical attention can significantly help reduce severe symptoms. However, finding that your loved one suffers a serious condition due to a lack of care is frustrating. Contact a dependable nursing home abuse lawyer to learn more about how you can hold the facility accountable for its breach of care.
Speak with an Experienced Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer at Dalli & Marino, LLP Today
When your loved one is a nursing home resident, you put your faith and trust in the staff and organization to help your family member have the best possible experience. Their health and safety are priorities that the nursing home staff should not ever dismiss. Our nursing home abuse lawyers at Dalli & Marino, LLP can guide you through the legal process of a nursing home abuse case. With years of experience advocating for our client’s rights, we can help you seek compensation for the losses you and your loved one suffer.
To schedule a free consultation and learn more about our services, call (888) 465-8790 or fill out our contact form today. We also speak Spanish.
