Elderly individuals are especially at risk for developing soft tissue infections, as the strength and durability of the skin become weaker with age. While all elderly individuals are at risk for developing soft tissue infections, those living in nursing homes are especially prone to developing these infections. In fact, skin and soft tissue infections are the third most common infection in long-term care facilities.
If you suspect that a close family member or friend is at risk for developing a soft tissue infection because of neglect at their nursing home facility, it’s important to take action. Working with a skilled nursing home abuse lawyer is the best way to ensure your loved ones are protected in situations of nursing home neglect and abuse. Here is some important information to know about soft tissue infections in New York nursing homes.
What Is the Connection Between Nursing Home Abuse and Soft Tissue Infections?
Nursing home abuse occurs when residents are mistreated in a neglectful or intentional manner. Unfortunately, one out of 10 elderly adults experiences abuse by their caregivers each year. Most commonly, nursing home neglect occurs due to serious understaffing in long-term care facilities, meaning caregivers are stretched thin and miss key signs that residents are struggling. However, sometimes nursing home abuse can also be malicious and intentional. Ultimately, both are unacceptable.
Caregivers are required to conduct frequent screening of elderly individuals to check for areas of skin that appear to be bruised or irritated. This is because early intervention is essential for preventing a soft tissue infection from becoming serious. Untreated skin and soft tissue infections, such as pressure ulcers or wounds can cause severe health complications in elderly individuals.
The Most Common Soft Tissue Infections in New York Nursing Homes
When nursing home residents aren’t properly cared for and attended to, it’s easy for them to develop soft tissue infections. While there are a variety of soft tissue infections nursing home residents can contract, the two most common are pressure ulcers and cellulitis.
Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that causes the skin to become swollen, red, and painful, and warm to the touch. While cellulitis usually develops on the skin of the lower legs, it can also occur in the face, arms, and other body parts. The infection occurs when there is a break in the skin, allowing bacteria to enter. If left untreated, cellulitis can spread to other areas of the body, such as the lymph nodes and become life-threatening. Some symptoms of early cellulitis include:
- Swelling in a localized area
- Redness
- Skin that feels warm and painful to the touch
When the condition progresses, it can have more severe symptoms including:
- Fever
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Chills
Pressure ulcers are another common skin infection in nursing homes. Also referred to as bedsores, these infections occur when residents remain stagnant in one position for too long. When someone stays in a position for extended amounts of time, it can cause unrelieved pressure to build up in the skin, causing a break or sore. Since many nursing home residents are immobile, they must be moved on a regular basis in order to prevent these sores from developing. In situations where residents are being neglected, it is common for these infections to develop.
Contact an Expert Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer in New York City
If your loved one contracted a serious soft tissue infection as a result of negligence or neglect in their nursing home facility, it’s important to contact the authorities and seek legal counsel. Unfortunately, many nursing homes are plagued by significant understaffing, causing industry-wide problems of neglect and abuse. At Dalli & Marino, we are committed to fighting the injustices in the nursing home system and ensuring the rights of the most vulnerable population are protected.
Our seasoned New York trial attorneys have been aggressively advocating for victims of nursing home abuse since 1996. We are committed to cultivating strong relationships with our clients through trusted, reliable communication. Our team of skilled attorneys approaches each case on an individual basis and is dedicated to helping you recover the money you deserve to compensate for your experience. Give us a call at (888) 465-8790 or complete our contact form today.
