The over-presecription of antibiotics has lead to the introduction of so-called superbugs. These are bacteria that have evolved to be resistant to antibiotics. They are frequently found in hospitals, nursing home, and other health care settings.
The CDC is recommending that all nursing homes improve their antibiotic prescription practices and reduce inappropriate use. According to the CDC, antibiotics are one of the most prescribed medications in nursing homes. However, up to 75 percent of those drugs are given incorrectly. That means that they are either unnecessary or they are being used in an incorrect manner (e.g. wrong drug, dosage, or course of treatment.)
To aid the fight against superbugs and antibiotic misuse, the CDC has released a new set of guidelines called Core Elements of Antibiotic Stewardship for Nursing Homes and are encouraging all nursing homes to follow the guidelines.
If you have a loved one in a nursing home and you discover they have caught a superbug, it may be worth your time to find out how the infection might have occurred. If it can be shown that negligence was the cause, your loved one may be eligible for compensation. Find out. Contact John Foy & Associates for a free consultation about your situation. We can tell you if it may qualify as elder abuse and what you can do about it. Call today.