Unsanitary Conditions In Monterey County Nursing Homes Put Residents At Risk
Chronic health conditions, sudden illnesses, and long-term disabilities can prevent older adults from providing for themselves. A nursing home may be the best option to ensure they get the attention, care, and protection they need.
One of the most basic requirements for nursing home operators is that they keep the facility sanitary. When they fail to do so, it can put residents at serious risk. Find out more about unsanitary conditions in Monterey nursing homes, ways it can impact your loved one’s health, and how you can protect them.
Use Caution IN Selecting A Nursing Home In Monterey
According to reports from the United Way of Monterey County, nearly one-third of all residents suffer from disabilities that impact activities of daily living. This is particularly common in older adults. Between their age and any accidental injuries, severe illnesses, or chronic health conditions they suffer, the best way to ensure they are protected may be to obtain nursing home care.
If you or a loved one is considering a nursing home, be vigilant in researching different facilities. Use services such as Medicare’s Nursing Home Compare, which provides in-depth details about homes in our area, including staff ratios and state inspection scores. Once you have narrowed down the list, make an in-person visit. Pay attention to the general look and feel of the home, and stay alert for signs of problems.
One of the most common is unsanitary conditions, which indicate neglect and an overall lack of regard for residents. This may include:
- Dirty, stained floors;
- Outdated and worn furniture or carpeting;
- Dust, grime, and fingerprints on windows or other surfaces;
- Dirty tables in the dining area;
- Foul odors;
- Overflowing garbage cans;
- Unclean bathrooms and other facilities;
- Signs of roach or mice infestations.
How Unsanitary Conditions Can Impact Nursing Home Residents
According to statistics from the U.S. Department of Justice, nursing home abuse and neglect is an unfortunately common problem and California has some of the highest rates in the country. One of the most common forces it takes involves subjecting residents to unsanitary conditions.
Unsanitary conditions in nursing homes can have major impacts on your loved one’s health. It impacts their mental health, makes accidental injuries more likely to happen, and can result in potentially life-threatening illnesses and infections. If you think your loved one is at risk, take these steps:
- Pay attention when visiting friends or family in a nursing home;
- Document any unsanitary conditions that exist;
- Inform the nursing home administrator and demand they be addressed immediately;
- Have your loved one checked by an independent medical provider for any signs of abuse or other adverse impacts.
Request A Consultation With Our Monterey Personal Injury Lawyer
Nursing homes in Monterey can be held liable for unsanitary conditions that put your loved one at risk. To get the caring, professional legal help you need, contact the Allen Law Firm. Request a consultation with our Monterey unsanitary conditions lawyer today.
Sources:
unitedwaymcca.org/sites/unitedwaymcca/files/Community%20Health%20Needs%20Collaborative/2022%20PRC%20CHNA%20Report%20-%20Monterey%20County%2C%20CA.pdf
medicare.gov/care-compare/?redirect=true&providerType=NursingHome
justice.gov/file/1098056/download
