Sepsis Can Be Deadly for Seniors Living in NJ Nursing Homes, So Look for Warning Signs

Sepsis, a potentially deadly infection, is one of the greatest threats faced by nursing home patients in the United States, including New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Across the country, thousands of seniors suffer from sepsis every year because of the negligence of nursing home employees who fail to protect residents against bedsore injuries, urinary tract infections, and other conditions. In fact, there are more than 900,000 incidences of sepsis annually each year.

What Is Sepsis?

Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening infection in the blood. It is especially dangerous when the person suffering from sepsis is over the age of 65. Sepsis occurs when the body breaks down and an infection is able to penetrate the body’s bloodstream. In the worse cases, a person suffering from severe sepsis can lose the proper function of their major organs, including their heart and brain. Beyond that, septic shock can cause a person’s blood pressure to drop and result in a heart attack or stroke – and even death.

According to health statistics, sepsis is the leading cause of death in non-coronary intensive care units (ICUs) in the United States. Overall, sepsis is the 10th-leading cause of death for all people in the U.S., with the majority of sepsis-related deaths afflicting seniors over the age of 65.

Be on the Lookout for Signs of Sepsis

One of the best ways to protect your loved ones from sepsis-related death is to be on the lookout for early warning signs and symptoms of sepsis. Don’t assume that the staff members at the nursing home where your loved one lives, or is being treated, are doing everything possible to ensure that your loved one does not contract sepsis. Sometimes nursing home employees are overworked and simply don’t take the time to watch for early symptoms of sepsis. Other times, nursing home workers are negligent and fail to do their jobs.

Some of the symptoms of sepsis include the following:

• High fever
• Low body temperature
• Rapid breathing

If your loved one is suffering from any of these symptoms, you should speak to the employees and/or the management at the NJ nursing home. In the event that your loved one’s condition has gotten particularly bad, it may be time for you to speak with a knowledgeable nursing home attorney.

If your elderly loved one has suffered an injury or illness as a result of negligence by nursing home staff, you should speak with a qualified nursing home abuse lawyer. Barry Sugarman is an experienced New Jersey nursing home abuse and negligence attorney who will make sure your loved one gets the treatment they need, want and deserve. Contact Mr. Sugarman now to schedule a free consultation.