Nursing Home Injury Lawyer: Malnutrition, Dehydration
Adequate nutrition and hydration are required for both physical and mental health. Yet, an alarming number of nursing home residents suffer from malnutrition and dehydration despite the availability of food and liquids at their residences.
Malnutrition can be caused by an insufficient or poorly balanced diet or by digestive problems that prevent the absorption of nutrients.
A study by Rudman and Feller estimates 50 to 85 percent of American nursing home patients are malnourished because they do not get enough calories or protein in their diets.
Dehydration is the rapid loss of weight due to illnesses such as diarrhea, medication side effects or inadequate fluid intake. Dehydration increases the risk of bedsores, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, decreased wound healing, confusion and disorientation, serious electrolyte disorders and death.
Providing a meal doesn't mean a resident receives adequate nutrition. Many residents are physically or cognitively impaired and cannot feed themselves. Some must be encouraged to eat; others must be fed by a staff member. Understaffing in nursing homes is a major contributor to malnutrition and dehydration.
Stretching Staff Too Thin
According to a study by the National Citizens' Coalition for Nursing Home Reform, one certified nursing assistant (CNA) should be available during mealtimes to assist two to three residents who need help eating and drinking. In many homes only one CNA is available for every 15 residents.
If your family member is suffering from malnutrition or dehydration in a nursing home or died because of this type of neglect, please contact Dansky Katz Ringold & York, P.C. Our attorneys have successfully resolved cases for clients whose loved ones suffered from severe dehydration and malnutrition in nursing homes. We would like to help you, too.
It costs nothing to learn if you have a case and you will pay no attorney fees unless we win. We represent clients throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including the South Jersey and Philadelphia areas.
