Bed bugs are known for being prevalent in medical facilities and nursing home settings, making bed bug control a must for these places. In fact, there has been a reported increase in bed bug activity in recent years in nursing homes. Bed bugs do not discriminate in their hunt for nocturnal blood supply, and some nursing home residents can make the perfect hosts for fueling bed bugs. Read on for reasons a Brooklyn, NY, nursing home needs bed bug control.
Prevent Accusations of Nursing Home Neglect
Reports from the CDC has estimated that up to 1 out of 10 elders become victims to nursing home abuse and neglect. This has opened the door to litigation if there is a suspicion of a problem such as bed bugs. As such, national guidelines on the standards of care required in nursing homes may be viewed as strict. Should a nursing home become infested with bed bugs, there is the risk of an ensuing lawsuit by a resident’s family members.
Related: How to Find the Best Bed Bug Exterminator in Bronx, NY
The Increase of Bed Bug Activity in Nursing Homes
The increase of the presence of bed bugs in nursing homes can be contributed to what the insects would perceive as a perfect setting. You essentially have an apartment setting that isn’t divided by units, but instead open for bed bugs to make their way from room to room. Additionally, in most situations, residents keep a lot of personal items in their rooms, offering up the perfect hiding places for bed bugs. Family members and friends are also commonly bringing items in and out for their loved ones without realizing they could be spreading bed bugs around.
Many of the patients living in nursing homes are not ambulatory or they have limited mobility and are unable to move about on their own. They may be spending a great deal of time, if not all of their time, lying in their beds. This makes them the perfect target for bed bug activity. Many of the residents may be unable to clearly communicate any discomfort they may be experiencing which can delay the response time to treating for them. Additionally, nursing home residents are often of ailing health and can be susceptible to infection or health issues as a result of bed bug bites and droppings.
Related: A Guide to Bed Bug Control in Nassau County, NY, Hospitals
The Fallout of an Infestation
Once a bed bug infestation hits a nursing home, quick action is a must. The residents may need to be moved to another room or even another facility when treatment begins, depending on the severity of the infestation. The first step is confirming that there is indeed a bed bug problem—highly trained bed bug dogs with perceptive noses will find out right away if there is a problem so that the nursing home can decide on the next steps.
Stay Proactive
Having an effective bed bug control plan in place will help keep a nursing home protected from placing residents in harm’s way, inviting legal issues, and costing a great deal of time and money. The risk to their residents’ health and the liability of the nursing home is not worth it. Routine visual inspections, room monitors, canine inspections, and re-treatment are just some of the ways to keep on top of the risk of bed bug infestations.