Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog
Late last month, an article by Newsmax Health conducted an investigation into a frightening statistic that the superbug MRSA can be found in roughly 25% of all U.S. nursing homes. According to the report, the largest contributing cause to the transmission of this antibiotic-resistant bug is contaminated gloves.
The article, working off a study conducted by Infection Control & Hospital Epidemiology, notes that there is a gap in education among nursing home employees regarding the transmission and seriousness of MRSA.
The study, which took place in Maryland and Michigan nursing homes, showed that in 28% of nursing homes the MRSA bacteria was present at some level. The largest contributors were glove- and gown-contamination, with glove-contamination being more prevalent. The study explains that washing hands and changing gloves between residents is crucial to stop the spread of the deadly disease.
What is MRSA?
MRSA, as it is commonly known, stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, which is an antibiotic-resistant form of the staph bacteria. MRSA starts off as a rash or skin boil that can quickly become much more serious, as the bacteria moves its way deeper into the body, potentially becoming life-threatening if the bacteria reaches the bones, joints, open wounds, bloodstream, heart valves, or lungs.
There are two main types of MRSA, healthcare-associated MRSA and community-associated MRSA. Healthcare-associated MRSA is found in medical settings, such as nursing homes and dialysis centers, and it usually occurs after some kind of surgery or invasive procedure, although that is not necessarily the case. Community-associated MRSA is more common among those who work with children or live in crowded conditions.
Vigilance Among Nursing Home Employees Is Critical
Since MRSA is so serious and is not often successfully treated with common antibiotics, everything must be done to prevent its transmission. In the nursing home setting, this includes complete vigilance on the part of the nursing home employees, ensuring that they wash their hands between patients, change their gloves frequently, and sterilize all equipment between patients. Failure to take these steps could result in the spread of the potentially deadly bacteria.
Nursing Home Liability
Whenever a nursing-home employee fails to take the necessary steps to ensure the safety of a resident, both the individual employee and the facility itself may be held liable for any injuries that result from the employee’s negligence. To learn more, contact a dedicated Maryland nursing home negligence attorney.
Has Your Loved One Been Neglected at a Maryland Nursing Home?
If you have noticed a loved one’s deteriorating condition while staying in a Maryland nursing home, and you believe their decline is due in part to the neglectful care they are receiving, they may be entitled to monetary damages. Proving that a decline in health is linked to a nursing home’s conduct may be difficult, depending on the situation, and an experienced attorney should be consulted prior to filing suit. To speak with a dedicated Maryland nursing home attorney about your loved one’s situation, call 410-654-3600 today to set up a free consultation.
See More Blog Posts:
Resident-on-Resident Sexual Abuse Goes Unreported; Nursing Home Fined, Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog, published May 7, 2015.
Sexual Assault of Elders Occurs Most Often in Nursing Homes in Maryland, Nationwide, Maryland Nursing Home Lawyer Blog, published March 26, 2015.