When nursing home staff members don’t put enough effort into taking care of the residents or the facility itself, that neglect can harm the people living there. Staff members who are burned out from their high-demand jobs with low compensation or understaffing practices by their employer may have to cut corners at work.
For example, they might have to choose between getting all of their residents to the bathroom during their shifts or engaging in the deep cleaning necessary throughout the facility. Unfortunately, when cleaning is not a priority, infestations can result. Sometimes, those infestations can put the health and well-being of the residents at risk.
Unmanaged infestations turn deadly
Generally speaking, scabies, lice or fleas are more of a nuisance than they are a health concern. Their bites don’t usually cause serious medical issues. However, they can cause injuries to people that can have noteworthy medical consequences.
Any pest that bites a person could cause an infection. They can also cause blood loss and dehydration. There have been cases where people have died from the consequences of untreated infestations, like a case of scabies that was so severe that there were millions of those burrowing insects found on the patient after their death.
If you see signs of an infestation, that can be a warning sign that the residents don’t get the support they need for safety and health at a nursing home. Family members may need to demand action to resolve an infestation or seek compensation if an untreated infestation harmed a vulnerable loved one.
Being able to recognize the signs of nursing home neglect will make you a better advocate for a loved one dependent on round-the-clock care.
