Infections: Overcoming Challenges in Senior Living Facilities

Posted on: April 21, 2017 by Huntersure

In our previous post, we examined some of the common hurdles that senior living facilities face. While there is no way to identify and prevent every possible safety and wellness factor for the residents of these communities, some major illnesses can be prevented with the right treatment and housekeeping practices. In this article, we will take a closer look at the common infections that seniors face and how to mitigate these to protect your client’s bottom line. In addition, protect their operation with a Residential Care Facility Insurance program.

One third of all deaths in seniors over 65 result from infectious diseases, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP). Though seniors are more susceptible to infection overall, seniors with dementia or those who are in long-term care may be at an even greater risk.

UTI.

These are the most common infections in seniors due to the use of catheters and the presence of diabetes. These are simple to cure with antibiotics, but staff should be aware of unusual symptoms such as incontinence and pain to help diagnose and treat these infections.

Bacterial pneumonia.

More than 60% of seniors over 65 get admitted to hospitals due to pneumonia, says AAFP. Seniors are at greater risk for pneumonia for a variety of reasons, including changes in lung capacity, increased exposure to disease in community settings, and increased susceptibility due to other conditions like cardiopulmonary disease or diabetes. Classic symptoms like fever, chills and cough are less frequent in the elderly, says the Infectious Disease Clinics of North America. Because of this, it is better to keep an eye out for nonrespiratory symptoms like weakness, confusion, or delirium.

Influenza.

Weakened immune systems and the risk of facing chronic symptoms expose the elderly to senior influenza, an illness that causes thousands of deaths each year. To reduce the spread of influenza, senior living communities can provide annual vaccinations and uphold stringent housekeeping practices to prevent the spread of germs.

About Huntersure

At Huntersure, we specialize in providing quality Residential Care Facility insurance programs to respond to each of these areas, designed to safeguard these facilities and their staff from financial loss. Our Residential Care Facility Liability insurance is designed to help protect care facilities and providers from a number of exposures, including allegations of mistreatment, neglect, and wrongdoing. To learn more about our operation as well as our allied healthcare insurance programs, contact us today at (646) 751-3030.

Posted in: blog Residential Care Facility