Having to put a loved one in a nursing home in New Mexico is a stressful decision to make. It is difficult to know that you are placing this person you care about in the hands of people you do not know. It takes a lot of trust. Nursing homes can be dangerous places. Perhaps one of the most terrifying dangers is one you may not think about: infections.
According to EOS, infections are common in the nursing home environment. While many of them are minor and easily cleared up with medication, some can be deadly. It takes vigilance and a high quality of care to ensure infections are handled correctly so that they are cleared up and not spread among the home’s population.
Due to many factors, including understaffing and lack of training, infections seem to be a serious issue in nursing homes. They spread quickly and getting them under control is difficult.
The most dangerous infection that is commonly seen is pneumonia. In an elderly person, this can quite quickly turn serious and lead to death. You need to keep an eye on your loved one. If he or she shows any signs of infection, especially, pneumonia, then you should speak up and insist upon a higher level of care.
Another dangerous infection that is on the rise is difficile. This is easily spread. You can help fight it by watching for hygiene and proper safety procedures being used in your loved one’s nursing home. This information is for education and is not legal advice.