Anytime a large number of people live in a small space, infestations and infections are a safety concern. There is a reason that there are many immunizations recommended for those living in on-campus housing during their college years. Similar logic may lead to nursing homes suggesting annual flu shots and other preventative measures for residents to protect their health.
While preventative individual healthcare efforts can help with the spread of certain illnesses, there are no immunizations for common infestations. Instead, it falls to the employees at a nursing home to keep facilities clean and to properly quarantine spaces and individuals dealing with an infestation. Improper nursing home practices can put residents at risk of discomfort, infection and worse.
Why infestations spread at nursing homes
The density of residents is one reason why infestations can easily occur at nursing homes. Pests can quickly spread from one person to another and to multiple rooms if staff aren’t cautious about cleaning. Bed bugs, lice and scabies thrive in environments where there are multiple vulnerable people living in one small space. Still, it is possible to control and correct infestations when they occur.
A lack of regular cleaning and hygiene support can exacerbate the predisposition toward infestations at places with many people living closely together. When nursing homes don’t have enough workers on hand, residents may go multiple days without bathing. Their rooms may not receive the attention they deserve, allowing bed bugs to proliferate in dark areas. In some cases, the failure to clean up between helping one resident and the next could spread the infestation to other people and rooms.
Staff members may also want to avoid those who show clear signs of infestation. An infestation left unaddressed can progress to dangerous levels. Even seemingly minor infestations, like scabies, can have major medical implications for those who are already medically vulnerable. They could develop secondary infections that further compromise their health and quality of life.
When families realize that a loved one has suffered because of inadequate hygiene support, improper sanitization or a failure to diagnose their condition, they may want to hold a nursing home accountable. Recognizing untreated infestations as a sign of nursing home neglect can empower individuals to be advocates for vulnerable loved ones.