Dehydration and Malnutrition in Thornton Nursing Homes
When you move your elderly parent or another family member to a nursing home, you should be able to trust that the staff will take good care of your loved one. Individuals working in long-term care facilities have a legal duty to look out for the safety and well-being of their residents. Part of that duty includes providing the right amount of food and water to each resident. When nursing home employees fail to exercise reasonable care in giving their residents food and water, serious harm can result.
If you suspect that your loved one is suffering from dehydration or malnutrition in a Thornton nursing home, do not delay in taking legal action. A knowledgeable nursing home abuse attorney could help your family pursue an injury claim against the nursing home and its staff and administrators.
Why Nursing Home Residents Sometimes Suffer from Malnutrition or Dehydration
Everyone has unique nutritional needs. Failure to fulfill those needs can lead to malnutrition. When people become older, their nutritional needs can vary due to medical conditions, activity levels, or medications.
A person suffering from malnutrition and dehydration faces serious health effects, including fatigue, muscle weakness, tooth decay, dementia, and a weakened immune system. There are many factors that could cause a nursing home resident to become malnourished or dehydrated, including depression, which can lead to a loss of appetite, and not getting the assistance they need to eat and drink properly.
When nursing home employees are not aware of the different dietary and care needs of their residents, serious injuries and illnesses can result. Nursing home administrators need to train their staff members to properly care for their residents. They should have personalized care plans for each resident that take into account how much food and water they need to remain healthy. Overworked and understaffed nursing homes often do not have enough employees to ensure that each resident eats and drinks enough. A hardworking Thornton attorney could diligently investigate how dehydration or malnutrition occurred, reviewing the nursing home’s operating plans, employee manuals, and training protocols to see if staff fell below the standard of reasonable care.
Warning Signs of Malnutrition and Dehydration in Thornton Nursing Home Residents
Unlike other types of nursing home abuse or neglect like bruises or bedsores, malnutrition and dehydration are harder to identify. If a family suspects that their loved one is suffering, they should look for the following:
- Changes in eating habits, such as wanting smaller portions
- Decreased interest in food or eating
- Significant weight loss
- Significant bruising
- Teeth problems
- Increased episodes of confusion, which can be caused by insufficient fluid intake
If a family notices any of the above warning signs, they should get in touch with an attorney as quickly as possible to begin going over their legal options.
Discuss Dehydration and Malnutrition in Nursing Homes with a Skilled Thornton Lawyer
Nursing homes need to take proper care of their residents. Looking out for each resident’s nutritional and dietary needs is an essential part of their duties.
Dehydration and malnutrition in Thornton nursing homes are serious issues. If you suspect that your loved one did not receive enough water or food, contact an attorney right away. A knowledgeable lawyer could investigate your case, gather evidence of the nursing home’s negligence, and pursue legal action on your behalf. To learn more, give us a call today.