Why is good hygiene essential in nursing homes? What makes poor hygiene more dangerous to older individuals? These are all good questions that require a thorough explanation.
Nursing homes residents tend to be of advanced age with a weaker immune system, making them more susceptible to illnesses passed from person to person. Hygiene is essential to maintaining the overall health of nursing home residents. If you believe that your loved one has been negatively affected by lack of hygienic care in their nursing home, you may wish to discuss their situation with an experienced nursing home neglect attorney.
Proper Hygiene that All Nursing Home Patients Should Receive
Good hygiene can cover a wide variety of actions, but in nursing homes, the needs of the residents cover more than simply washing your hands. Below is a starting point for things that need to be done regularly and well to maintain proper hygiene. Please note, this is not an exhaustive list.
- Diaper changes
- Assistance going to the restroom
- Changing bandages
- Changing clothes
- Brushing teeth
- Cleaning rooms, bathrooms, kitchens, and common areas regularly
Those living in assisted living homes are there because they need assistance managing tasks in their daily lives. They can’t do these things on their own, so it falls on the shoulders of staff. If the staff isn’t doing these things in a timely manner, the residents are at high risk for contracting preventable diseases. Simple neglect of basic care such as ensuring residents practice regular hygiene forms the basis for many elder abuse cases involving nursing homes.
Understanding Staffing Issues in New York Nursing Homes
Understaffing has been an issue for years in nursing homes. However, the understaffing of nursing homes in New York has shot into the limelight recently, with COVID-19 running rampant. Earlier this year, the state of New York passed legislation creating a minimum amount of time required with staff per resident.
Although this is a start to solving the hygiene issue, it doesn’t fully solve the problem—part of being understaffed means that there aren’t enough people willing to do the job. Not only is there a lack of qualified individuals willing to do the job, but there’s also a high turnover rate in the field.
It’s hard not to get worn down when you’re trying to do your job, but there simply aren’t enough hours in the day. This can contribute to the high turnover rate.
What to Do If You Suspect Poor Hygiene in a Nursing Home
Document every instance you believe shows neglect or improper hygiene. Taking pictures of the effects of the nursing home staff’s neglect is the easiest way to record evidence. If the nursing home resident is capable of making a statement, take one down. If they aren’t, take the statements of anyone willing to corroborate the story.
Contact a New York Nursing Home Lawyer
It can be difficult to know when to contact a lawyer because you might have a case. If someone you love has experienced a preventable illness due to poor hygiene, or premature death due to poor hygiene, you should contact an attorney. Proving that lack of hygiene is the cause of an illness or death can be complicated, and a professional can help you get the justice you need.
Dalli & Marino, LLP has been an established New York law firm since 1996 and has been serving the community for over 24 years. Unlike other law firms, they take an individualized approach to law, ensuring every client is treated as a person, not a file number. As a team, they’ve won millions of dollars in damages for clients. Contact us today by calling (888) 465-8790 or filling out our contact form.
