Placing a loved one in a nursing home or rehab facility requires tremendous amounts of trust in the safety, the staff, and the environment they are living in. Their quality of life is not only dependent on the care they receive, but in the safety measures of the kitchen where their daily nutrition is coming from. If not properly handled or cleaned, it’s easy for foodborne illnesses to spread. When something as basic as the food in your loved one’s facility is not safe, serious consequences may occur.

 

Unsanitary Conditions

While the care given in a nursing home and rehab facility are paramount, a commonly overlooked concern is the unacceptable kitchen and food conditions. In facilities across the nation, reports of kitchens included cockroaches, mold, flies, and mouse droppings, some of which were surrounding food being served. These food safety violations have caused thousands of foodborne illnesses to the residents in nursing and rehab facilities. According to the Center for Disease Control, from 1998 to 2017, 230 foodborne illness outbreaks were reported, resulting in 54 deaths and 532 hospitalizations, and “sickened 7,648 people.” Those who have strong immune systems can become quite sick from unsafe food, but for those most physically vulnerable and fragile, these illnesses are serious and could be fatal.

Nursing and rehab facilities are common places for illnesses to spread because of the close contact and quarters of its staff and residents. If one person is sick, it’s very possible for another to pass it along. Foodborne illnesses through food preparation can become dangerous if safety precautions are not taken. Just one consequence of unsafe food handling is the spread of  Norovirus. This virus is the leading cause of foodborne deaths because of how quickly it spreads through food preparation and close contact with someone who has it. Nursing homes, schools, and places with close contact with others are in the most danger.

 

When Norovirus is a real Danger: Elders and Those with Health Conditions

Although Norovirus is far from pleasant, it isn’t something to be highly concerned about if you are a healthy adult with a decent immune system. Norovirus becomes extremely dangerous for those very young and old, and in fragile conditions, such as those in nursing homes. Low-grade fever, muscle pain, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and cramps are common symptoms, however, dehydration is the most alarming. In severe cases, renal failure, cardiac complications, and acute graft organ rejection have been reported. For those immunocompromised and affected with other medical conditions, Norovirus can wreak havoc on the body, and even result in death.

 

My Loved One Got Ill from Norovirus in an Assisted Living Facility

If your loved one has been infected by the Norovirus in their facility, there are legal options you can take. Not properly handling food, malnutrition because of unsafe food, and the consequences of not meeting a residents’ basic needs are considered nursing home/rehab facility neglect. It is your right as the advocate for your loved one to pursue legal action. You can find an attorney to help walk you through filing a personal injury claim against the facility. They can also help you find evidence and build a case to protect your loved one. Victims of the neglect are also allowed to file a claim, if they are able.

 

Foodborne illnesses are preventable, especially when a facilities’ kitchen is well-maintained, following proper protocol, and managed with care. If your loved one’s health has been affected by their facilities’ food, advocate for them by taking legal action.

 

Elder Neglect: Wrongful Death, Illness Attorney in Los Angeles Area

If your loved one has become ill or has died from what you believe is unsanitary conditions, or neglect, please contact us immediately. We offer a free consultation, and we want to hear your story. Do not delay, time is of the essence when it comes to cases like these!