If you have a loved one who lives in a nursing home, you are probably worried about ensuring their safety during the coronavirus pandemic. The virus is particularly dangerous for elderly people and those with preexisting medical conditions. Furthermore, the close quarters of many nursing homes mean that illnesses can spread rapidly among residents if proper precautions are not taken. Staff-to-resident contact can also spread illnesses, especially if staff come to work sick. When nursing homes do not take proper precautions to reduce residents’ exposure to viruses, this may be considered nursing home negligence. If you have concerns about your loved one’s safety in a nursing home, there are a few steps you can take to ensure that they have the lowest chances possible of contracting the illness.

Nursing Home Facility Mistakes Are Being Blamed for Coronavirus Outbreak in Washington

One Washington state nursing home has experienced an unprecedented outbreak of coronavirus cases, which led to 62 percent of the residents contracting the illness. Sadly, 35 residents at the facility died after contracting the virus. A recent investigation conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) found that many of the deaths may have been preventable. According to the report, nursing home staff continued to come to work and interact with patients even though they exhibited symptoms of having coronavirus. Inadequate use of personal protective equipment and hand sanitizer along with limited testing for the virus are also being blamed for the outbreak. It is possible that nursing home injury claims may follow the facility’s failure to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Nursing homes across the country are now taking extreme measures to prevent residents from contracting the illness.

Ensure Your Loved One’s Nursing Home is Following CDC Guidelines and Government Orders

Since the outbreak in the Washington facility, several mandates were put in place to prevent similar outbreaks from happening in other nursing homes. Facilities are not allowing visitors to enter the facility and many are prohibiting residents from congregating in communal spaces within the facility. Both residents and staff are being screened for symptoms of coronavirus infection. You may not be able to visit your loved one in the facility, but you can call the facility and discuss the precautions the facility is currently taking to prevent the spread of the disease and ensure that these precautions are in line with CDC recommendations. You can also call your loved one frequently and reassure him or her that steps are being taken to keep residents safe. Some people with loved ones in a nursing home have wondered whether it would be better to remove their loved ones from the facilities. However, medical experts say that moving a resident out of a nursing home during this tumultuous time is unwise. The CDC and other authorities have stated that it is more likely for a person to be exposed to the virus outside of the nursing home than inside the facility.

Contact a Joliet Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer

Nursing homes have a legal obligation to take the steps necessary to minimize residents’ risk of contracting illnesses, including coronavirus. If your loved one has contracted the illness and you believe that the nursing home may be liable, contact Schwartz Injury Law to learn about your legal options. Call our office at 815-723-7300 today and schedule a free, confidential consultation with an experienced Illinois nursing home injury attorney.

Sources:

https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/health/info-2020/preventing-coronavirus-in-nursing-homes.html

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/coronavirus-outbreak-seattle-area-nursing-home-life-care-sick-workers-lack-supplies-cdc-covid-19/

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/healthcare-facilities/prevent-spread-in-long-term-care-facilities.html

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