Dehydration and Malnutrition in Nursing Home Settings
Posted by Adam R. Leighton on Feb 10, 2020 in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Dehydration and Malnutrition in Nursing Home Settings Experienced Attorney When it comes to the elderly residents in a nursing home, nutritional well-being is an essential component of any treatment plan. Dehydration and malnutrition can happen easily amongst the elderly as well as lead to more severe health problems. Not only can these conditions lead to weight loss, confusion, or infection, but severe cases can also become fatal. Proper nutrition and hydration is a basic right that every resident is entitled to, whether they are incapacitated or not. Common Causes of Malnutrition or Dehydration Adequate nutrition includes receiving enough minerals, proteins, calories, vitamins, and liquids to remain strong and healthy. Many different factors can contribute to nursing home residents not receiving adequate hydration or nutrition. In cases where the resident is unable to ingest or maintain adequate levels of these things, the nursing home staff is required to make adjustments to accommodate them. For example, if a resident cannot feed themselves, the staff is required to feed them so they can maintain their health. Aside from the resident’s own physical or psychological limitations, other outside factors may include the staff acting in a way that is abusive or neglectful. Here are some ways that nursing homes contribute to malnutrition and dehydration themselves. Inadequate supervision by staff to assist with feeding when necessaryLack of exercise or individualized care plansIll-informed staff members who are not familiar with the proper ways to assist residents who need helpFood that is improperly served or unappetizingA disorganized or chaotic dining room Leaving fluids in places that are not easily accessible to the patient Failing to administer tube feedings when necessary Recognizing Signs of Malnutrition and Dehydration If you think that your loved one may be suffering from a lack of food or water, keep an eye out for these potential indicators: Recent, significant weight lossClothing that seems to fit more loosely Dry mouth that makes it difficult to speakCracked, pale, or bleeding lips or gumsInfrequent, dark urinationA tongue that is bright red, dry, and furrowedFrequent complaints of thirstUnexplained disorientation or weaknessSkin that feels warm and drySudden and unexplained hair loss or thinningGums that have shrunk, causing dentures to no longer fit properlyTooth loss or a tender mouthWounds that appear to take a long time to healSkin that appears “loose,” dry, or to be deteriorating Residents at a nursing home deserve to be treated well and with respect. If you suspect that your loved one is a...read more