Taking care of an elderly person is no easy task. Chronic health issues tend to manifest as a person gets older. It’s part of life. As you get older, your immune system is not as strong as it once was. Even a minor wound like a bedsore can turn into a life-threatening infection.
Indeed, infections are a serious concern in elderly care. When it comes to infections, every day counts. You cannot let them go untreated. When left unaddressed, infections can lead to severe complications, prolonged hospital stays, and even death. The aging population is particularly vulnerable due to weakened immune systems, underlying chronic conditions, and the potential for delayed diagnosis.
When Infections Lead to Sepsis
Elderly people are more susceptible to infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), pneumonia, and skin infections. If not detected and treated promptly, these conditions can lead to sepsis, which is a life-threatening response to infection. The immune system’s diminished ability to fight infections in older adults exacerbates this risk.
Sepsis occurs when the body’s response to an infection triggers widespread inflammation, leading to tissue damage, organ failure, and potentially death. In elderly people, sepsis can progress rapidly due to age-related immune system decline and pre-existing health conditions.
While anyone of any age can develop sepsis, it is especially common among the elderly. Adults over the age of 65 years are 13 times more likely to be hospitalized with sepsis when compared to younger adults. Another concerning statistic is that 63% of adults over the age of 60 are admitted to the ICU already sick with sepsis. Also, more than 40% of older patients have repeat episodes of sepsis within three months of the original infection.
Common signs of sepsis include fever, rapid heart rate, difficulty breathing, confusion, and extreme weakness. Without immediate medical intervention, sepsis can lead to septic shock, which causes dangerously low blood pressure and multi-organ failure.
Other Effects of Unaddressed Infections
Infections in the elderly can manifest in ways beyond physical symptoms. Confusion and agitation are common indicators of infection in older adults. An untreated infection can accelerate cognitive decline, especially in those who already suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Prolonged infections can lead to frailty, decreased mobility, and an overall decline in physical health.
Neglected infections often result in increased medical expenses due to prolonged hospital stays and a greater need for intensive interventions. These financial burdens affect both families and healthcare systems, which is why early detection and treatment is so importantin elderly care settings.
Legal Implications of Unaddressed Infections in the Elderly
Unaddressed infections in elderly individuals can lead to serious legal implications for caregivers, healthcare providers, and long-term care facilities.
Here are some considerations:
Medical negligence and malpractice. Healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, and hospitals, have a legal duty to provide standard medical care. If an infection in an elderly patient is misdiagnosed, ignored, or improperly treated, it can escalate into serious complications such as sepsis, organ failure, or death. If the provider's failure to act falls below the accepted medical standard, they may be held liable for medical malpractice. Potential consequences include civil lawsuits, financial compensation for victims, and loss of medical licenses.
Elder abuse and neglect. Elder neglect occurs when a caregiver, whether a family member, nursing home staff, or a professional caregiver, fails to provide necessary medical care, leading to harm. Failure to treat infections may be classified as neglect if it results in suffering or a decline in health. Common examples include bedsores becoming infected, untreated urinary tract infections (UTIs), or pneumonia worsening due to lack of intervention. Legal repercussions include civil liability, loss of professional licenses, and potential criminal charges in cases of willful neglect.
Wrongful death. If an untreated infection leads to the death of an elderly person, their family may file a wrongful death lawsuit against responsible parties. Wrongful death claims seek compensation for losses such as medical expenses, funeral costs, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship. Healthcare providers, nursing homes, or caregivers responsible for the elder’s well-being can all be sued. Potential outcomes include financial settlements, punitive damages, and court-imposed penalties for facilities that fail to provide adequate care.
Violation of state and federal regulations. Nursing homes and long-term care facilities are subject to strict regulations under the Nursing Home Reform Act and state laws. Facilities must ensure residents receive proper medical care, including timely infection management. Otherwise, they can face regulatory consequences, such as investigations by agencies like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, fines, lawsuits, revocation of operating licenses, and loss of federal funding.
Criminal liability. In severe cases, unaddressed infections leading to extreme suffering or death could result in criminal charges against caregivers or medical personnel. If neglect is deemed intentional or reckless, it may constitute elder abuse, involuntary manslaughter, or even homicide. Possible criminal charges include elder abuse, criminal neglect, and manslaughter (in cases of death). Potential penalties include fines, imprisonment, and lifetime bans from working in elder care facilities.
How a Lawyer Can Help
A lawyer can play a crucial role in cases involving unaddressed infections in elderly individuals by providing legal guidance and holding responsible parties accountable. They can gather medical records and other evidence to file claims such as medical malpractice lawsuits and neglect or elder abuse claims. They can also file complaints with state agencies regulating elder care and help family members recover compensation for their damages, as well as the damages their loved one has suffered.
Contact Newman Law Group Today
Whether your elderly loved one is in a nursing home or is being cared for in their own home, they risk infections. While not all cases are caused by neglect, many are, like bedsores.
If you believe your loved one is the victim of abuse or neglect, you don’t have to let them suffer in silence. Seek legal help from a Sacramento elder abuse attorney from Newman Law Group, LLP. We have been fighting for elders' rights for more than 30 years. To schedule a consultation, give us a call at (916) 352-3181 or fill out the online form.
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