Malnutrition and Dehydration

Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee

Malnutrition and Dehydration
Two out of five nursing home patients suffer from malnutrition, and dehydration is one of the most common causes of hospitalization among elderly residents. These two conditions can rapidly deteriorate the health of an otherwise-healthy senior citizen.

Malnutrition and dehydration are basically the lack of proper nutrition including essential minerals, vitamins, calories, and protein. These conditions can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Illness of the resident
• Inability to process food
• Poorly-fitting dentures or problems feeding themselves
• Food and drug interactions
• Depression
• Negligence of the caregiver

As family members, you can't always rely on the warning signs from your loved ones. Often times, elderly residents are unable to communicate because of mental illnesses or other ailments. You should carefully monitor your family member under the care of a nursing home. Watch for warning signs, like sudden weight loss, urinary tract infections, confusion, muscle weakness, bed sores, pneumonia and other avoidable health problems. This could mean your loved one is suffering from malnutrition or dehydration.

Because the elderly are at high risk for dehydration, caregivers should offer fluids at mealtime and in between meals, and be aware of any warning signs. It is essential for caregivers to recognize symptoms early because dehydration and malnutrition can have severe health consequences such as:

• Weakness, leading to immobility, bed sores and falls
• Confusion and memory loss
• Pneumonia and weakened immune system
• Inability to recover from illnesses
• Loss of muscle mass
• Impairment of organ function
• Infection, anemia and even death

Nursing homes have a duty to ensure their residents receive adequate nutrition and proper hydration. They must monitory food and fluid intake regularly. Failing to provide these necessities is a form of negligence. When nursing homes are understaffed or hire under-qualified employees, it puts patients' health in jeopardy.

If you feel a family member's malnutrition or dehydration was caused by the negligence of nursing home staff, please contact the nursing home abuse attorneys at Burke, Harvey & Frankowski today. Serving the residents of Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia, we can help you understand your rights and help you collect damages. Call or e-mail us today for a free consultation.

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