Nursing Home Malnutrition and Dehydration

Nursing homes are required to take great care of their residents, but there are many instances where a resident may become ill or injured. Although malnutrition and dehydration may occur for several reasons, negligence can contribute to inadequate conditions that can endanger a nursing home resident.

Malnutrition and dehydration in nursing homes occurs when an elderly person does not get enough of the right foods or liquids. Though this can occur because of issues with chewing, swallowing or adverse effects of medication, it can also occur because of abuse or neglect.

If you believe that your loved one has been a victim of malnutrition and dehydration in nursing homes, our experienced nursing home neglect attorneys can help you. We have obtained millions in verdicts and settlements, including a $1.27 million verdict for a victim of nursing home abuse.

For a free review of your claim, call 1 (855) 722-2552.

Neglectful or Abusive Actions Lead to Malnutrition and Dehydration

As noted in the nursing home residents’ bill of rights, residents have the right to dignity, respect and a comfortable living environment, which includes food and beverages. As residents are free to make their own choices, it is important for workers to determine if a resident is malnourished or dehydrated.

A nursing home worker’s failure to act may be considered negligent. Actions that could lead to malnutrition and dehydration in nursing homes include:

• Failing to provide food and drink on a regular basis
• Providing supervision during meal times
• Failing to have staff available to feed and monitor residents
• Failing to assist residents who need help eating or drinking
• Inadequate education of staff on dehydration and malnutrition
• Failing to notice signs of dehydration or malnutrition
• Inadequately monitoring patients with drug or alcohol problems
• Failing to properly monitor dietary restrictions
• Failing to monitor medication issues that may cause dehydration or malnutrition

Understaffing is a common cause of all these issues, as is staff inexperience.

In some cases of malnutrition and dehydration in nursing homes, a worker may be purposely withholding food and drink from a resident as punishment.

Recognizing the Signs of Dehydration and Malnutrition

It is important for families to be acutely aware of any possible signs of dehydration or malnutrition.

Some of these signs include:

Loss of appetite and excuses for not eating may also be signs of malnutrition and dehydration in nursing homes.

If you believe that a loved one is receiving deficient care, contact an experienced attorney. Our firm can help you determine your legal options and if you are entitled to file a lawsuit.

How Can an Attorney Help?

If you suspect nursing home abuse or neglect, you may be considering contacting a West Palm Beach nursing home abuse lawyer. It is important to note that there is a limited amount of time in which a claim may be filed, which is why we encourage you to contact Gordon & Partners immediately.

An experienced lawyer can speak with medical professionals, former staff and even residents to determine if negligence or abuse by the staff resulted in malnutrition or dehydration. Our team will thoroughly review your claim to determine if you are entitled to file a lawsuit.

With more than 200 years of combined legal experience, you can trust our firm to fight for the rights of anyone who has been mistreated in a nursing home.

Schedule a Consultation

At Gordon & Partners, we understand that the decision of choosing a nursing home is never easy. Unfortunately, too many seniors are victims of negligence in a nursing home, which leads to serious injuries and illness.

If your loved one has suffered malnutrition or dehydration, and you believe they are being neglected or abused, contact us for a free consultation. Each attorney and staff member is passionate about helping people. When you need peace of mind, trust Gordon & Partners to fight for your loved ones.

Call 1 (855) 722-2552 or fill out a contact form.