Nursing Home Malnutrition/Dehydration Lawyers in Savannah

Giving a Voice to Abused & Neglected Nursing Home Residents

Malnutrition and dehydration are two of the most common medical problems that can result from nursing home neglect. Both malnutrition and dehydration can be easily avoided with attentive care, but if a caretaker neglects to address these concerns, a resident may experience serious health complications. Malnutrition and dehydration can also quickly lead to death.

If you notice your loved one has been suffering from malnutrition and/or dehydration in a nursing home, it is very important that you take action to prevent further suffering. At Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys, we fight aggressively to protect innocent and vulnerable nursing home residents. No one deserves to be treated this way – especially not the elderly. We can help you recover the compensation you need while holding the negligent care facility accountable for its actions.

Consult with us for free today – call (912) 809-5335.

Malnutrition in Nursing Homes

Malnutrition is the lack of proper nutrition, which can be life-threatening for elderly people. Malnutrition doesn’t just mean the person is not getting enough food. Residents who suffer from malnutrition are also not receiving the necessary vitamins and minerals that their body needs to function properly.

If not addressed, malnutrition can lead to serious health problems, including:

• Weakened immune system
• Impairment of vital organs
• Infections
• Memory loss and confusion
• Muscle mass loss
• Physical weakness
• Anemia
• Dehydration
• Death

Dehydration in Nursing Homes

Dehydration is the body’s lack of an adequate supply of hydration or water, which the body needs to remain healthy and functioning properly. Like malnutrition, dehydration often indicates nursing home neglect and can lead to serious medical issues.

Effects of dehydration include:

• Urinary tract infections (UTI)
• Confusion and disorientation
• Bedsores and pressure sores
• Physical weakness
• Rapid heartbeat and breathing
• Dark coloration of urine or very infrequent urination
• Dry, cracked skin
• Pneumonia
• Death

According to the Health Care Financing Administration, dehydration is one of the 10 most frequent diagnoses in Medicare hospitalizations. The risk of developing dehydration increases with age, as individuals between the ages of 85 and 100 are at least 6 times more likely to be hospitalized due to dehydration. Nursing home staff and caretakers must realize that seniors are at a much higher risk of dehydration than younger adults, and they must take whatever measures necessary to ensure residents are properly hydrated.

Those at risk for dehydration should follow a special program in the nursing home. The program should cover ways to protect against dehydration, including drinking extra fluids during and in between meals, being aware of the signs of dehydration, and notifying a doctor if such symptoms appear.

Nursing Home Negligence

A well-trained caretaker should know how best to prevent malnutrition and dehydration in the people under their care. The problem of nursing home negligence begins when nursing homes employ staff who are untrained or inexperienced. Some nursing home staff members are hired for low wages and may have bounced around jobs. These employees tend to be inattentive or indifferent to many of their tasks or cannot handle the high workload. Many employees are also not knowledgeable about proper nutrition and rely on liquid supplements while failing to provide residents with the proper vitamins, minerals, and calories they need.

Statistics show that almost half of residents in nursing homes require assistance with eating, while 21% are fully dependent on others to feed them. Additionally, nursing home residents require more water and hydration because of their medications and age. As a result, many nursing homes are understaffed and need more caretakers who can help with this increasing demand.

Consult with Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys

If your loved one is showing signs of malnutrition or dehydration in a nursing home, it may likely be due to nursing home neglect. If neglect is at play, you have the right to take legal action against the facility. At Jamie Casino Injury Attorneys, we recognize that many nursing home institutions put profits above people. Our team refuses to allow innocent people to suffer because of a corporation’s actions. Do not hesitate to discuss your case with our Savannah nursing home dehydration and malnutrition lawyers.

Call (912) 809-5335 now to get started with a free consultation today.