Your Reputation Depends On Bed Bug Control
The last thing you need is a report of bed bugs or other pests in your healthcare facility and patient rooms becoming public. Your reputation can be damaged, which is why its best to get a pest control treatment plan in place before an infestation takes hold.
If you run a healthcare facility and worry about a bed bug infestation, contact the experts in bed bug control at Batzner Pest Control for a consultation today.
Are Nursing Homes Liable For Bed Bug Injuries To Residents
Nursing homes have a duty of care to their residents, much like doctors and other healthcare professionals have a duty of care to their patients. By signing a contract and accepting payment from residents, nursing homes agree to take all reasonable steps to safeguard residents from experiencing harm.
Depending on the pertinent municipal code, landlords are not always 100% responsible for exterminating bed bugs inside apartment buildings. However, unlike the tenants of private residences, nursing home residents are completely dependent on facility management and personnel for their everyday care and protection. That is why they are housed there in the first place.
For example, many nursing home residents suffer from Alzheimers Disease, dementia, mobility issues, or other medical conditions which render them physically incapable of taking their own pest control measures. Speaking frankly, it is completely outrageous to expect senior citizens with severe health problems to manage their own bed bug infestations particularly when they are already paying the nursing home to attend to their basic health needs.
All this is to say nothing of additional property damage, which can be financially costly. The loss of irreplaceable antiques or sentimental objects, which help nursing home residents feel connected to their loved ones at home, can be emotionally devastating.
What Damage Do Bed Bugs Cause
Much like mosquitoes, bedbugs feed exclusively on blood from humans and other warm-blooded animals. They are nocturnal insects that feed on exposed skin while the host is asleep, with peak feeding activity occurring just before dawn.
The good news is that bed bugs are not known to carry or transmit diseases. They can, however, still pose risks of discomfort, sleeplessness, and anxiety to senior residents in assisted living communities.
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Bed Bug Extermination In Assisted Living Facilities
The introduction of bed bugs into assisted living facilities has exploded in the past two years. Triangle Pest Control, a Raleigh, NC based Bed Bug exterminator, has seen a 223% increase in assisted living bed bug calls in 2012 alone. The simple fact is that bed bug infestations are growing each year and this insect is here to stay. Triangle Pest Control proudly offers local bed bug control services.
Complications Stemming From Nursing Home Bed Bug Infestations
Residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities can be particularly susceptible to bed bug bites. Once an infestation takes root, it can rapidly spread to other residents, particularly if not properly and promptly addressed. Unfortunately, management often overlooks bed bug infestations. Nursing home facilities are frequently overcrowded and understaffed. Often, its the family members of residents who first notice their loved ones predicament.
Bed bug bites in nursing homes can lead to serious complications and injuries, including:
- Infections
- Insomnia, which can cause a cascade of physical and mental health problems
- Allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis
- Falls and injuries resulting from relocation to another room
Nursing home residents suffering from bed bug bites may have a strong claim for compensation to cover not only their physical and emotional harm but also expenses for replacing property that had to be destroyed. In extreme cases, relocation to another facility may be necessary.
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How We Can Help
Our lawyers are prepared to fight for you or your loved one. We know how to take on powerful opponents such as nursing homes. In many cases, we can obtain a fair compensation without having to pursue a lawsuit. We handle these cases on a contingency basis, so you wont owe us any attorneys fees unless were successful.
Bed Bug Heat Remediation With Strategic Minimal Use Pesticides
As of this writing, bed bug heat remediation is the most effective method of exterminating bed bugs. This has been proven in several research studies and experiments. Bed Bug Heat Remediation is a procedure in which all of the areas in an infested space are heated to a temperature above 120F . The heat kills the bed bugs naturally. Bed Bug Heat Remediation both increases the effectiveness of the bed bug treatment and also reduces the amount of pesticides to be used in the facility.
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Why Are Healthcare Facilities A Bed Bug Risk
Because hospitals, hospices, elder care facilities, and group homes experience significant human traffic carrying personal belongings and host sleeping people in multiple rooms, they are at high risk for bed bug infestations. These characteristics make them places where bed bug populations can grow, spread, and impact staff, visitors, and patients.
If Traces Of Bed Bugs Are Found:
DO NOT:
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Disturb the room further
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Take any items out of the room
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Take the room out of service and quarantine it
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If the room is occupied, work with management to move residents to a new room
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Contact Orkin immediately to inspect the infested room and pre-treat room to which any residents are to be moved
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When To Sue For Bed Bug Bites In Assisted Living Facilities
While the physical damage can be bad enough, bed bug bites can also cause emotional and financial distress, with the costs of medical treatment and moving to another facility potentially causing stress to both victims and their loved ones.
Insurance companies tend to avoid treating bed bug bite injuries with the seriousness they deserve, displaying a lack of understanding regarding these injuries In situations such as this, it is recommended that the injured individual or their family should contact an experienced bed bug attorney.
If negligent parties are responsible for bed bug infestations in an assisted living facility, victims may be eligible for full compensation with the help of a bed bug lawyer.
Tips For Handling Bed Bugs In Nursing Homes And Alfs
Bed bugs were making a comeback in nursing homes and assisted living facilities across the nation. While bed bugs are not known to transmit disease, they are a massive nuisance for the elderly and infirm, who may be unable to escape from them in their beds.
Treatment can be complex because of the infirmities of the victims. Some people have died from anaphylactic shock from bed bug bites. Many nursing homes or assisted living facilities may not have a pest control professional on staff, which can mean an increased risk of infestation by bed bugs. Here are some tips for dealing with bed bugs in nursing homes:
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Bed Bug Laws And Regulations
EPA regulates pesticides that can be used against bed bugs. Our jurisdiction does not include the kind of reporting and management regulations that states have. The Department of Housing and Urban Development has guidance related to controlling bed bugs in public housing.
There are 21 states that have some level of law or regulation that applies to bed bugs. Some of these requirements have been on the books for many years. Nine states have enacted laws or regulations since 2005. Requirements focus on hotels and landlords or other property managers for the most part.
Be sure to check with your state and local authorities for any changes in these requirements or to find out if your state or city has enacted a requirement more recently. Chicago is an example of a local government that has regulations related to bed bugs. See Chicago’s bed bug information.
Contact A Bed Bug Bite Lawyer Today
If you believe a negligent party is responsible for bed bug infestations that have caused injury to a loved one, you may be entitled to compensation with the help of a qualified attorney.
Our bed bug bite lawyers have substantial experience and knowledge regarding these cases to give you and your loved ones the attention you need. Contact us today for representation and get a free consultation.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. This firm handles claims nationwide on a pre-litigation basis only. Some attorneys are not licensed to practice in certain jurisdictions. Although most bed bug cases resolve without a lawsuit, should one need be filed in a jurisdiction the firm is not authorized to practice, our lawyers can work with local counsel upon the execution of a new agreement.
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Neglect In Retirement Homes
Unfortunately, neglect in retirement homes is a common problem throughout the United States. Much of the abuse and neglect goes unreported, so it is difficult to obtain exact statistics, but the Center for Disease Control estimates that one in ten elderly adults are victimized in retirement homes annually. Most of the abuse and neglect is in the form of bed sores, preventable falls, and financial exploitation, but the neglect of property can also harm the residents of a retirement home if bed bugs are given free reign without bed bug control measures to put a stop to their breeding.
How To Remove A Bed Bug Infestation At An Assisted Living Facility
It is the job of the owner or operator to ensure a safe and healthy environment for its elderly residents. If an infestation hasnt happened already, youll want to ensure they have a proactive bed bug plan, which should include the following elements.
- Make sure to submit a written complaint or inquiry regarding an existing, past, or possible further infestation.
- Inquire about clean facilities with sterilization processes to ensure mitigation of damage should an infestation occur.
- Make sure you and your peers know how to inspect for bed bugs (The residents and the staff should know how to spot an infestation.
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Why Bed Bug Detection Is Difficult In Retirement Homes
Bed bugs can be introduced into nursing homes and assisted living facilities through visitors, medical staff visiting from other facilities, social workers, and housekeeping staff. The bugs simply hitchhike their way in on luggage or clothing. Once inside, the reduced mobility of many of the retirement home residents provide ample feeding ground for bed bugs that prefer to live close to their food source, and they will quickly reproduce. It can be difficult to distinguish bed bug bites on patients, even in homes where the patient care is top notch because many residents already have skin rashes, ulcers, skin discoloration or abrasions on their body. And, a large percentage of elderly residents may not even react to bed bug bites because of compromised immune systems.
Bed Bugs In Assisted Living Facilities
Bed bugs are common in nearly any type of residence, including assisted living facilities. There are many types of injuries that residents in these facilities can experience, including bedsores, physical abuse or neglect, and bed bug bites, among others. Bed bugs can cause serious injury, contrary to what you may believe, particularly for residents who may be unable to actively complain about their presence.
If you suspect a loved one may be suffering from bed bug bites at an assisted living facility, there are several ways you can determine if an infestation is present. Bed bug bite victims and their families can also seek compensation if negligence is behind these infestations, helping prevent future problems for the claimant and other residents.
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Fort Lauderdale Retirement Home Is Closing And Residents Are On Their Own To Find New Housing
With its owners retiring, it looks like the large Fort Lauderdale ALF will be closing its doors. There are no Change of Ownership forms filed with AHCA, so it does not appear that anyone is taking over this ALF. As a result, residents are forced to find new housing.
Apparently, a generic Dear Resident letter was given to Fort Lauderdale Retirement Home residents. In it, the letter says the facility is in no way responsible to assist in relocation. However, this is contrary to Chapter 58A of the Florida Administrative Code, which mandates Florida ALFs assist residents in relocation when a facility is being closed.
Collateral Damage Of Pest Infestations At Senior Living Facilities
by vadmin | Jul 23, 2020 | News and Press
- Recent studies have shown the persistence of disease-causing pathogens in bed bugs .
- Many victims of bed bugs report anxiety, depression, and insomnia, further draining a facilitys resources .
- Mistreatment of an infestation often spurs hefty fines from government agencies, damaging a facilitys brand indefinitely .
As detailed last time, the bed bug epidemic only continues to surge with 59% of pest control professionals treating infestations in senior living . While it is easy to say pest infestations are costly based upon their pricey removal fee, one cannot overlook the collateral damage, including risks associated with COVID-19, expenses to relocate residents, and harms to the facilitys reputation.
First, with over 14,000 facilities being affected by COVID-19, culminating in 57,000 staff and resident deaths, administrators are as reluctant as ever to allow exterminators to enter . Moreover, with facilities opting for confined living, bed bugs, normally nocturnal to pry on residents while they sleep, now have access to their victims at all times .
Besides endangering a facilitys residents and staff, infestations incur unpredictable, often unquantifiable costs that could leave impacts for years.
Next time We will be looking into the commercial pest solution. What exactly is being sprayed in your building?
References
Gondhalekar, Ameya D. 2018 Highlights of Urban Entomology. Journal of Medical Entomology 56, no. 5 : 118893.
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Getting Rid Of Bed Bugs In Hospitals
Bed bugs are hard to get rid of in any scenario because they are very good at hiding and are very tiny. Unless you are trained to search all potential bed bug hiding places, you could easily miss a few of them. Bed bugs hide within the folds of a mattress, cracks in a piece of wooden furniture or behind photos, pictures, within light fixtures, or in electrical sockets. This makes it hard to find them all and missing a couple can cause a re-infestation. Just when you think youve gotten rid of the bed bugs, they can come back and start an infestation all over again.
The bad news is there is no real way to prevent these bugs from entering your facility. However, quick and effective interventions can stop the spread and reduce the risks of a serious infestation in inpatient rooms, lounges, waiting rooms, or anywhere else in your healthcare facility. Because bed bug infestations in healthcare facilities happen often, managers invest heavily in pest control treatment and prevention programs.
How Do I Ensure That My Facility Will Be Bed Bug
The only way to provide true peace of mind that you have created a bed bug-free environment is to hire a certified pest control company who will work with you to conduct regular inspections, and plan for prompt treatments if an infestation is found.
The Bed Bug Inspectors are the best pest control professional in the New York City area and will come to your facility to conduct regular inspections using dogs and other up-to-date techniques.
If an infestation is found, we will work with you to design a solution that is tailored towards your facility. We prefer not to use chemicals and will use organic, all-natural methods whenever possible. Contact ustoday, and stop losing sleep while worrying about a bed bug infestation in your residential setting.***
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Assisted Living Facility Bed Bug Extermination
Exterminating bed bugs in assisted living facilities should be done by a licensed bed bug eradication professional. Using store bought insecticides will not solve your bed bug problem. Surviving infestations will become worse, spreading throughout your facility to other rooms and areas.
The first step in your bed bug treatment is a complete inspection by Bed Bug BBQ. At the first sighting of a bed bug you should contact Bed Bug BBQ to inspect not only the area you saw the first bed bug but your ENTIRE FACILITY. That includes all areas, rooms, and places where bed bugs commonly hide. If someone has visited your facility with bed bugs it is highly likely your facility will suffer from an infestation.
For first-rate assisted living facility bed bug extermination services in Cleveland, OH and surrounding areas, trust only BedBug Barbeque, LLC.
Bed bugs are tenacious and difficult to exterminate as they can hide anywhere. They hide in clothes, closets, shoes, electronics, dressers, etc. Therefore, your cooperation is required for us to obtain success. We are here to make sure that the pest is completely eliminated from your home or business.
Heat eliminates all stages of the life cycle, so when our treatment is done, the bed bugs are all gone!