Nursing Home Cleanliness Guidelines

Nursing home negligence cases oftentimes develop from unclean conditions. Sanitization is of the utmost importance in preventing the spread of germs, viruses, and bacteria, like Staph infection (Staphylococcus aureus). Poor hygiene and signs of uncleanliness are generally an indicator that some sort of abuse may be occurring. These conditions generally occur when there are too few staff attending to too many residents. When a nursing home is dirty, this sign may often be an indicator that greater abuses are occurring in the facility. Make sure to carefully observe and questions any suspicious behavior. Always keep an eye for “skin tears” or bruising that may be visible on a loved one. Listed below are some spots where germs and other harmful bacteria often incubate:

Handrails on the bed
These are to be cleaned daily by nursing home staff. Signs of dirt or griminess should raise flags.

TV Remote
This is often times more dirty than the toilet seat. A prime germ spreader.

Dirty Laundry Hamper
Dirty clothes are often discarded once they accumulate food particles or other sources of uncleanliness. The dirty laundry hamper is often very dirty and a good cleaning can prevent the spread of germs.

Door and Drawer Handles
Doors handles are one of the most common sources of contact for spreading germs in a hospital or nursing home. Wipe these down for your loved ones in order to prevent the spread of germs.

Telephone / Cell Phone
Telephones and cell phones also commonly contain germs transferred from the face and/or mouth. Make sure to wipe the phone down with an antibacterial wipe on the outside of the phone in order to eliminate this pesky source of uncleanliness.

If you have witnessed any of the following signs of uncleanliness, it may time to contact a nursing home negligence lawyer. Fill out our contact form or call the The Bruner Law Firm today at (850) 243-2222. We can help.