Malnutrition and Dehydration in Nursing Homes
It is the responsibility of a nursing home or assisted living facility to ensure the health and well-being of its residents. When nursing home residents are not under proper supervision, they can become injured or ill. They may also become malnourished and dehydrated. These are two serious issues that need to be addressed immediately, as they can lead to other severe illnesses and even death.
If you believe a loved one may be malnourished or dehydrated, turn to one of our nursing home neglect and abuse lawyers at the New York law firm of Pearlman, Apat, Futterman, Sirotkin & Seinfeld, LLP. We take nursing home malnutrition and dehydration cases very seriously. Using our over 60 years of practice, we work hard to see that nursing homes are held accountable when residents are injured as the result of nursing home abuse and neglect. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a knowledgeable member of our highly respected firm.
Malnutrition and Dehydration Symptoms
Though not all signs of dehydration and malnutrition are observable, there are some physical signs that family members notice that may indicate a larger problem. Typical symptoms of malnutrition and dehydration can include:
- Extremely dry skin
- Cracked and bleeding lips
- Sunken eyes
- Dark circles around eyes
- Sudden weight loss
- Bedsores
Proper Prevention
When nursing homes properly monitor patients, malnutrition and dehydration should not even be an issue. It is when their food and water consumption is not being documented that issues occur. Steps need to be taken immediately to correct issues to ensure patients are well fed and consistently hydrated. Patients who have memory problems need extra attention, as they are prone to forgetting to eat or drink, or think they may have already done so in a day.
Once malnutrition or dehydration is suspected or diagnosed, the nursing home must take proper steps to correct the situation. In some instances, extreme measures must be taken, such as placing a feeding tube or an IV for fluids. If the situation is not addressed immediately, a resident may become dangerously ill or die as a result of malnutrition or dehydration.
Contact a Queens Attorney for Representation in Malnutrition and Dehydration Cases
To take action against a nursing home that allowed your loved one to become malnourished or dehydrated, contact a Queens, New York, lawyer at Pearlman, Apat, Futterman, Sirotkin & Seinfeld, LLP, by calling 866-679-2513 or 718-577-2573. Our experienced attorneys offer free initial consultations and operate three offices for our clients' convenience.
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