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Indwelling Urinary Catheters Should Not Be Used to Manage Incontinence

On Behalf of | Apr 13, 2015 | Blog, Elder Abuse, Law Articles, Nursing home Abuse, Nursing Home Neglect

Using Indwelling Urinary Catheters Can Cause Bacteremia

Unfortunately, it is all too common for skilled nursing facilities and hospitals to use indwelling urinary catheters to manage urinary incontinence. However, indwelling urinary catheters are the most common source of bacteremia. In fact, the federal Health Care Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HCICPAC) recommends minimizing urinary catheter use and duration of use in all patients.

The most common reason for nursing homes to use indwelling urinary catheters is to manage urinary incontinence. Why? Because these facilities understaff their building and staff will need to respond to call lights and assist residents to use the restroom if catheters are not used, all of which require staff time. And if a facility is staffing at low levels (short-staffed), a way to minimize hiring more staff is to take short cuts, such as the use of indwelling catheters.

York Law Firm has comprised of Sacramento based lawyers that handle elder abuse and wrongful death cases and have experience assessing understaffing issues that negatively impact patient care. If you believe your loved one has been the victim of elder abuse or neglect in a nursing home or assisted living facility, or believe your family has a wrongful death claim, please call our office so that we can investigate your case at 916-643-2200 or contact us online. We are dedicated to representing families whose elders and dependent adults who have been injured, neglected, or abused.

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