Many people in Florida are in nursing homes or have a relative in a nursing home. The last thing people might think about when considering a nursing home is whether you or your loved one will be fed properly. But malnutrition and dehydration do happen. The danger of malnutrition and dehydration is not just discomfort or loss of function. The danger is often death. Many nursing residents do die because of a lack of proper nutrition.
Residents rely on the Nursing staff for their food and liquids.
Senior citizens in nursing homes rely on the nursing home staff to give residents their liquids and meals. Many citizens aren’t mobile – they can’t get up to get their own liquids or food. Even if residents are mobile, the liquids and food may be stored, requiring permission to get them. And some residents aren’t even able to ask for nourishment because of their medical condition. Some elder residents have difficulty chewing because of poor dental care. Some residents have Alzheimer’s and don’t know they’re supposed to eat. Even if they can get to the food, the resident is not in a position to prepare it.
Dehydration.
Dehydration means a lack of fluids – water, juice, milk and other liquids needed to maintain the body. The most common symptom is thirst. But there are other symptoms too:
- Dry mouth
- Weakness
- Dry skin
- Light-headedness or even dizziness
- A change in urine color
- Vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
Malnutrition
Malnutrition is a lack of proper diet – meats, dairy, vegetables, fruits and all the nutrients people need to survive and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Malnutrition isn’t just not getting the food. It also includes a lack of a proper diet – the proper balances of proteins and carbohydrates and other necessities. The symptoms for malnutrition, in addition to hunger are:
- Loss of weight
- Light-headedness or even dizziness
- Weakness or fatigue
- A bloated abdomen
- Loss of function of an organ
Without proper nutrition, residents have difficulty moving – which can create other problems.
How Brooks and Brooks can help
If you or a loved one suspects any form of neglect or abuse by a nursing home or adult care facility please contact our firm. During this difficult time we will help you receive the maximum compensation allowed by law and we will assist you through every step of the case. Our team of lawyers works with medical professionals, valuation experts, technical experts and other lawyers. If you or a loved one suffered an injury or a death please call us at 1-888-WE-MEAN-IT (1-888-936-3264) or email us at: [email protected].
