Malnutrition in Lakewood Nursing Homes
Malnutrition in nursing homes is one of the many different types of elderly abuse that occurs in Lakewood and the surrounding areas. The term applies to both overnutrition and undernutrition. Signs of unacceptable weight loss, incredible weight gain, or other signs may indicate that malnutrition is occurring in your elderly relative’s nursing home. When this is the case, you can take steps to prevent further abuse, and fight for compensation for your loved one.
If you see evidence of malnutrition in Lakewood nursing homes, an experienced Lakewood nursing home lawyer is here to help. Financial compensation may be available for elderly residents and their families.
Definition of Malnutrition
Malnutrition occurs when a person receives too little or too much nutrients as part of their diet. For elderly residents in nursing homes, their food source is typically the nursing home itself. Whether the residence is cafeteria style, or food is delivered to the patient’s room on an individual basis, when a nursing home has control of a resident’s food it is crucial to ensure the patient is healthy.
At times, the patient’s own condition may naturally lead to malnutrition when not carefully observed. It is the responsibility of nursing home staff to ensure that a patient receives proper medical care and does not suffer malnutrition.
Undernutrition
Undernutrition occurs when a patient is not receiving enough nutrients as part of their diet. In many cases this means that the elderly patient is simply not getting enough food. Abuse can take the form of staff withholding food from patients as punishment, or simply because they can. Lack of food can lead to severe medical complications.
Undernutrition may also take the form of lack of proper nutrients, protein, or other necessary parts of a quality diet. This often occurs when a nursing home tries to save money by providing substandard quality food that does not provide the nutrients a patient needs.
Overnutrition
Overnutrition occurs when a patient is overfed, allowed to binge, or is given poor quality food high in fat, salt, or sugar. This can occur due to poor food quality, or a lack of oversight in controlling a patient’s own choices. Elderly patients are often not able to make intelligent choices about what they eat, and need help and guidance. Medical staff is supposed to ensure that patients get the nutrition they need.
Effects and Signs of Malnutrition
Malnutrition has many negative consequences for patients suffering from nursing home abuse. These symptoms and signs include, but are not limited to:
- Weakness and fatigue
- Severe weight loss or weight gain
- Yellowing skin or eyes
- White fingernails
- Bedsores or other skin deterioration
- Deterioration of teeth
- Organ failure
In addition to the physical signs of malnutrition such as those listed above, emotional distress, depression, and other psychological effects can greatly harm elderly patients. Malnutrition can cause great harm to patients and their families. Financial compensation through a personal injury lawsuit can help compensate the parties involved.
Consult a Knowledgeable Malnutrition Attorney in Lakewood
With the help of an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer, malnutrition in Lakewood nursing homes may possibly be stopped and compensated through a personal injury lawsuit. Elderly patients and their families deserve a lawyer who can fight for their rights. Contact our firm today for a consultation on your case.
