Most people know there are severe consequences if seniors or elderly residents contract certain infections or illnesses. However, most people do not know the ease in which infection and illness spread in nursing home environments.
According to a study conducted in 2012, over 1.5 million people live 16,000 nursing homes across the United States, and they will experience around 2 million infections in one year. And as the number of residents increases in nursing homes, there is more likely doing to be a higher risk for infections. But what can residents do to protect themselves from infection?
Infection control in nursing homes
There are several factors that residents need to consider in order to prevent infection in their homes:
- The right place – Most nursing facilities have specific guidelines they need to follow for health reasons. However, some facilities go above and beyond to protect patients through more precautions and antibiotics available.
- The right leadership – Along with facility protocols, it’s important to have passionate leaders and staff members who work diligently to identify infections and prevent outbreaks in their residents through daily check-ins, medical expertise and open communication with residents.
- The right preparation – The most important factor is proper preparation for staff and residents. Nurses and other workers know the signs and techniques to prevent the spread of infections. However, some residents may deny symptoms or ignore signals of infection. Patients should wash their hands, take prescribed antibiotics and listen to any medical advice provided from a licensed medical professional. Feel free to ask questions if you aren’t sure why you are taking a certain medication.
These three factors are incredibly important to stop the spread of sickness in its tracks. If you’re concerned about your loved one’s facility, ask questions about their procedure or addressing the possibility of infections in their residencies.
