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Malnutrition: A serious problem for some nursing home residents

On Behalf of | Jan 15, 2020 | Long-term Care Facility Neglect |

Elderly individuals who are in a nursing home often require special care assistance. When the duties of the nursing home staff members are neglected, the residents are the ones who can face significant issues. One problem that can come up is malnutrition.

Understanding the signs of malnutrition can help you determine if a loved one is suffering from it. If they are, getting them help right away is a priority.

Some of the more common signs of malnutrition include:

  • Fatigue, lethargy, tiredness
  • Weight loss that isn’t intentional
  • Loss of strength or lack of muscle control
  • Memory troubles
  • Anemia
  • Depression or sadness

Sometimes, neglect isn’t the reason for malnutrition; however, nursing home staff members should watch residents carefully for signs that they aren’t getting the nutrients they need. A lack of appetite or an inability to feed oneself can lead to this problem. In these cases, the staff members should step up to try to find solutions to the issue.

Depending on the severity of the malnutrition, it might be necessary to visit an emergency room. It is possible that the resident might also have dehydration, which can further complicate matters. These can lead to severe health complications, including decreased immunity, so they can’t be ignored.

If you do find that neglect led to the malnutrition, you might consider legal action. While the primary goal is to get the person the medical care they need, the legal claim could help them to receive compensation that can repay them for any expenses they had to cover. In some cases, noneconomic damages might also be possible.

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