Can Nursing Home Neglect Cause Urinary Tract Infections?
The Annals of Long Term Care quotes a study by Hosam Kamel that states urinary tract infections “are the most common bacterial infections encountered in nursing home residents.” The study speculates that seniors are affected more than average because of “increased prevalence of bladder outlet obstruction due to prostatic enlargement. The doctor also observed that there was relative reduction in UTI incidence among elderly women because of decreased sexual activity. Factors like aging, menopause and instrumentation of the urinary tract were also said to be significant.
However, another important factor mentioned in the study, tied urinary tract infections to nursing home neglect. The study quoted dehydration as a commonly overlooked factor in the development of urinary tract infection. Dehydration occurs when a nursing home resident is taken care pf properly and not provided adequate hydration.
The Mayo Clinic defines a urinary tract infection as an infection that starts in the urinary system. Any part of a person’s system can be infected—from the kidneys, to ureters, to the bladder or the urethra. Such a condition is frustrating and painful at first.
However, it’s important to note that the prolonged suffering of this condition can lead to a critical condition when the infection reaches the kidneys. The Mayo Clinic clearly states the cure: “antibiotics are the typical treatment for a urinary tract infection.” It also mentions that people can reduce their risk of UTI by changing their lifestyle.
The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse lists some common circumstances that put an individual at a higher risk of urinary tract infections. Some of these circumstances naturally fit the profile of seniors. These include individuals with an enlarged prostrate gland, a patient who requires a catheter on a long-term basis, individuals with diabetes and other disorders and ailments that commonly occur in elderly people.
Nation Quality Measures quoted the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, National nursing home Quality Measures User's manual), when it listed a “rationale” of how nursing home workers can help to reduce the chance of urinary tract infections from happening. The guide suggested that the nursing home staff should strive to keep the room quarters clean and emptying the bladder regularly. It was also suggested that the staff try and keep the senior drinking plenty of water and help him to maintain his hygiene.
Unfortunately, nursing home neglect plays a larger role in the development of UTI than we might like to think. If a resident is ignored and given negligenct care, along with inadequate water and food, then the condition can become considerably worse. Some patients have accelerated in symptoms of delirium after a prolonged battle with urinary tract infection.
If your aging parent or relative has suffered because of untreated urinary tract infection then you do not have to accept it. The health of your parent or loved one should not be determined by money. All senior citizens are entitled to basic human rights and a minimum standard of quality medical care. Call The Rasansky Law Firm today 1-877-405-4313 to learn more about nursing home neglect and your rights.
However, another important factor mentioned in the study, tied urinary tract infections to nursing home neglect. The study quoted dehydration as a commonly overlooked factor in the development of urinary tract infection. Dehydration occurs when a nursing home resident is taken care pf properly and not provided adequate hydration.
The Mayo Clinic defines a urinary tract infection as an infection that starts in the urinary system. Any part of a person’s system can be infected—from the kidneys, to ureters, to the bladder or the urethra. Such a condition is frustrating and painful at first.
However, it’s important to note that the prolonged suffering of this condition can lead to a critical condition when the infection reaches the kidneys. The Mayo Clinic clearly states the cure: “antibiotics are the typical treatment for a urinary tract infection.” It also mentions that people can reduce their risk of UTI by changing their lifestyle.
The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse lists some common circumstances that put an individual at a higher risk of urinary tract infections. Some of these circumstances naturally fit the profile of seniors. These include individuals with an enlarged prostrate gland, a patient who requires a catheter on a long-term basis, individuals with diabetes and other disorders and ailments that commonly occur in elderly people.
Nation Quality Measures quoted the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, National nursing home Quality Measures User's manual), when it listed a “rationale” of how nursing home workers can help to reduce the chance of urinary tract infections from happening. The guide suggested that the nursing home staff should strive to keep the room quarters clean and emptying the bladder regularly. It was also suggested that the staff try and keep the senior drinking plenty of water and help him to maintain his hygiene.
Unfortunately, nursing home neglect plays a larger role in the development of UTI than we might like to think. If a resident is ignored and given negligenct care, along with inadequate water and food, then the condition can become considerably worse. Some patients have accelerated in symptoms of delirium after a prolonged battle with urinary tract infection.
If your aging parent or relative has suffered because of untreated urinary tract infection then you do not have to accept it. The health of your parent or loved one should not be determined by money. All senior citizens are entitled to basic human rights and a minimum standard of quality medical care. Call The Rasansky Law Firm today 1-877-405-4313 to learn more about nursing home neglect and your rights.
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