How are illnesses contracted in nursing homes in Iowa?

Iowa City, IA – A serious issue for nursing home patients is the possibility of an infection or disease that quickly spreads among them. Because many of these people are already elderly and in poor health, complications from a sickness can be severe or even fatal if not treated quickly. Anyone who has been hurt or developed a serious illness in a nursing home has the right to file a civil lawsuit against the facility and its administration. The victim and their family can receive compensation for costs tied to additional medical treatment, relocation, and other losses. 

Environments that are dangerous

A nursing home is actually a dangerous environment in some ways because there are many people with weak immune systems living together in close quarters. There are also workers who interact with the general population, then have to work directly with elderly people, increasing the possibility of infection. Poor hygiene among residents and workers is another factor that increases chances that multiple people will be sick. Nursing homes are required to be cleaned at regular intervals, but sometimes mistakes are made or workers miss certain areas that can remain dirty for days. Formal inspections from government agencies happen at regular intervals, but an inspection every few months is usually not enough to catch these issues.  

Most likely types of infections

Digestive and gastrointestinal issues happen mostly due to contaminated food or unsanitary dining areas. Elderly people can become dehydrated or malnourished if they have constant vomiting or diarrhea. These illnesses also spread more easily among the elderly because their digestive systems do not produce as much stomach acid that kills bacteria as younger people. 

Sexually transmitted diseases are also a common problem in nursing homes that does not receive much public attention. The complications of these kinds of diseases are worse in elderly populations, and many people working and staying in nursing homes tend to falsely assume that STDs are not possible. The lack of potential pregnancies means that protection is generally not used either.  

Respiratory issues along with pneumonia are also a very common cause of mortality in nursing homes. Something as simple as a bad cold or flu can have disastrous consequences for a person with compromised immunity and a weak body. These diseases are also extremely contagious because they spread through the air or on surfaces, and are difficult to control once a few people in a facility get infected. 

Nursing home lawsuits in Iowa

Eells and Tronvold Law Offices is a trusted local accident firm in Iowa. People who have questions about the possibility of a lawsuit after any kind of injury can schedule a meeting to discuss their situation with a lawyer. 

Firm contact info:

Eells and Tronvold Law Offices 

1921 51st Street NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-2400  

319-393-1020 

www.eellsandtronvold.com