Dehydration & weight loss in nursing homes

Unfortunately, dehydration and malnutrition in nursing homes is a critical indicator of the care quality that patients are receiving in Long-term care centers. Hydration and nutrition are frequently the basis of the claims that are filed. Residents who become dehydrated will be confused, lethargic, have reduced mobility issues and are prone to develop urinary tract infections and pressure ulcers in their body. Additionally, any patient who is nutritionally compromised doesn’t have the same body fats that are stored to help them heal more quickly when they’re injured.

A patient can lose up to five percent of their body fat within 30 days of not eating properly

If you think that your loved one is suffering from dehydration or malnutrition in their nursing home facility, you may wish to pursue legal action. Sinclair Law Offices has been working closely with such individuals and their families who have suffered from such situations for over three decades. We’re here and ready to assess the specific details of the dehydration and malnutrition claims and we’re going to ensure that each and every legal avenue is taken to hold the responsible parties responsible for their actions.

Detecting malnutrition & dehydration

Malnutrition and dehydration are frequently just one aspect of other injuries that may be ongoing in a long-term care facility. It’s frequently found that these are just the beginning and there are other factors that must be considered regarding patient care. Typical claims that are rooted in malnutrition and dehydration:

• Improper wound healing
• Heightened risk of pressure ulcers
• Heightened functional dependence
• Heightened risk for infections
• Falls
• UTIs or urinary tract infections

It’s sadly common to find that when a resident has fallen, it frequently results in a broken bone and the resident often has a UTI or other infection ongoing at the same time. Weight loss isn’t always found in malnutrition patients. It is however found that typically a patient can lose up to five percent of their body fat within 30 days of not eating properly. Patients can lose up to 7.5 percent of their weight within a 90-day timeframe and up to 10 percent within 180 days of malnutrition. Appropriate measures need to be taken. Your loved ones need to be protected.