Injuries and Neglect
Fractures
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related visits to emergency departments in the United States and the primary etiology of accidental deaths in persons over the age of 65 years. More than 90 percent of hip fractures occur as a result of falls, most of which occur in persons over 70 years of age. Hip fractures are the leading fall-related injury as a result, which often requires hospitalization.
¼ of elderly persons who sustain hip fractures die within six months of injury
Hip fracture survivors experience a 10-15% decrease in life expectancy and a meaningful decline in quality of life
When an older person gets a fracture, it adds to fear of falling and self-restriction on activities
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Falls
- ¼ people 65+ fall every year, less than half tell doctors.
- Falling once doubles your chances of falling again
- Over 800,000 patients are hospitalized because of a fall
- Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries
Dehydration
Dehydration in nursing home and long term care facility residents are frequently dismissed and not treated as a primary concern. However, research has shown that prolonged dehydration in the elderly can result in serious health and cognitive issues. Due to deteriorating physiological conditions and preexisting diseases, dehydration will further complicate a patient’s health condition and exacerbate certain symptoms, lowering overall quality of life. There are a number of underlying factors which contribute to a patient’s hydration status. Research has identified physical, mental and behavioral factors all play a significant role in the willingness and capability of patients to be properly hydrated.
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- Prolonged dehydration in the elderly can result in serious health and cognitive issues
- Dehydration will further complicate a patient’s health condition and exacerbate certain symptoms, lowering overall quality of life
- A 2015 study showed 68.8% of all participants were either deyhydrated or classified as having impending dehydration
- Dehydration can increase risk of UTI, respiratory infections and constipation
Infections
Infections have been associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality, rehospitalization, extended hospital stay and substantial healthcare expenses. The acuity of illness in the population within nursing homes has increased substantially in the last decade, as has the risk of acquiring new infections.
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1.5 million people live in nursing homes in United States, experience 2 million infections a year
Common Issues
- Nursing Home residents with feeding tubes are susceptible to pneumonia
- NH residents with urinary catheters are more prone to UTIs, bacteremia and septicemia
Common Infections
- Most common endemic infections are UTI, respiratory, skin and soft
tissue. - Most common epidemic infections are gastroenteritis, influenza and skin.
- Pneumonia and lower respiratory tract infections is the LEADING cause of mortality in residents.
Hygiene
Nursing homes are known sites of infection prevalence. In the U.S. alone, NHs will report some 3 million infections per year, accounting for the largest share of NH mortality and up to $1 billion in added annual healthcare costs. The death rate due to infections in NHs is estimated at 0.6 per 1,000 resident days. Implementing hand hygiene protocols could combat these numbers.
Federal Requirements
Federal law requires nursing homes to maintain a proper level of hygiene. The facility must provide a safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment, allowing the resident to use his or her personal belongings to the extent possible. These include:
- A clean, comfortable mattress
- Maintain an effective pest control program so that the facility is free of pests and rodents
- Housekeeping and maintenance services necessary to maintain a sanitary, orderly and comfortable interior
- Clean bed and bath linens that are in good condition