Proper nutrition is important for everyone. To reach optimal health, we require a complex mix of vitamin, minerals, the right food, and water. This fact is nowhere more true than in the case of older adults. Nursing homes and assisted living facilities are legally responsible for providing their patients with adequate nutrition.
You may suspect that your loved one isn’t receiving the right food, or enough water, for their health. But how can you be sure? We’ve provided a checklist of signs to look out for.
Signs Of Dehydration In Elderly Adults
- Increased thirst
- Dry mouth
- Swollen tongue
- Inactivity or lethargy
- Little urine that is dark yellow, or no urine at all
Signs Of Malnutrition In Elderly Adults
- Irritability
- Lethargy
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Slowed wound healing
Contact A Medical Professional
Of course, to properly determine whether your loved one isn’t being adequately nourished, it’s essential to contact a medical professional. PA Nursing Home Lawyers work closely with medical professionals to determine the health of your loved one, and whether their nutritional needs are being met by their nursing home or assisted living facility.
Dehydration & Malnutrition Effects
Many serious medical conditions can be caused by dehydration or improper nutrition. Many of these problems are potentially life-threatening. The most common results of malnutrition and dehydration are:
- Weakness, often leading to immobility which can cause bed sores
- Urinary tract infection
- Decrease in brain function, which can cause memory loss, confusion
- Loss of muscle mass, which can lead to decreased mobility
Contact A Philadelphia Elder Abuse And Neglect Attorney
If left unaddressed, improper nutrition and lack of adequate hydration invariably lead to death. It’s extremely important, if you suspect that your loved one’s nutritional needs are not being met due to the neglect of a nursing home or assisted living facility’s staff, that you contact an experienced Pennsylvania nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer.
The lawyers at PA Nursing Home Lawyers have handled many cases involving the improper nutrition and dehydration of elderly residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and group homes. We strive to represent the victims of neglect and abuse compassionately, aggressively, and effectively. Your loved one deserves dignity and justice. Contact us for a free consultation by calling (215) 563-2499 or filling out our contact form.
