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Urinary Tract Infection at a Nuring Home

Michael Agruss

Written and Reviewed by Michael Agruss

  • Managing Partner and Personal Injury Lawyer at Mike Agruss Law.
  • Over 20 years of experience in Personal Injury.
  • Over 8000+ consumer rights cases settled.
  • Graduated from the University of Illinois Chicago School of Law: Juris Doctor, 2004.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary tract, however most UTI’s are in focused in the lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra) when bacteria in the urine begins to multiply. If a UTI is left untreated it can lead to more serious issues such as kidney infections and a life-threatening blood infection (sepsis).

Elderly patients that reside in nursing homes are at an increased risk of developing urinary tract infections due to age-related changes that weaken their bladder muscles and decrease the efficiency of their kidneys. This decrease in ability makes it more difficult to properly remove waste when the bladder is not emptying completely.

When nursing homes are understaffed or do not provide proper training, it is easy to miss the symptoms of UTI’s, which can have devastating consequences.

Early Signs of Urinary Tract Infections

Unfortunately, the early signs that a patient is suffering from a urinary tract infection can be difficult to recognize. In the elderly, the first signs are often behavior-related. Other common warning signs of a UTI include:

  • Urinary incontinence;
  • Confusion;
  • Difficulty completing simple tasks.

Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection

Every person is unique and the symptoms that they are suffering from a UTI may vary. However, UTI’s often have similar symptoms, which include:

  • Persistent need to urinate;
  • Cloudy urine;
  • Burning urination;
  • Brown, pink, or red urine;
  • Strong odor in the urine;
  • Pelvic or rectal discomfort.

If the UTI has progressed to a kidney infection, you may also notice fever, chills, nausea and vomiting, and side pain. Bladder and urethra infections will have intense pain and burning with bloody urine.

All UTI’s require antibiotics to clear the infection and in more severe cases hospitalization may be required to prevent sepsis and death. When nursing homes are negligent and miss the signs of a UTI, residents suffer.

If you believe a loved one has been abused or neglected at a long-term care facility, contact 844 See Mike, for a free consultation. We are a Chicago injury law firm representing individuals and families who have suffered an injury or loss due to an accident. 844 See Mike, will handle your personal injury case quickly, will advise you every step of the way, and will not hesitate to go to trial for you.

Lastly, 844 See Mike, does not get paid attorney’s fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. Therefore, you have nothing to risk when you hire us–just the opportunity to seek justice.

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