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Pennsylvania - Malnutrition and Dehydration
There are a many factors that make the elderly susceptible to Malnutrition and Dehydration. These include illnesses such as heart disease, lung disease, kidney disease; adverse drug effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea; problems chewing because of tooth problems; and health conditions such as dementia or tremors which make it difficult to eat without assistance.
Noticeable symptoms of dehydration include:
- flushed face
- extreme thirst
- person is unable and/or refuses to drink liquids
- dry, warm skin
- cannot pass urine or urine is dark yellow
- sleepy or irritable
- person complains that they have no energy
- headaches
- dry mouth, cracked lips
Severe dehydration can cause bloated stomach, low blood pressure, weak pulse, rapid breathing, sunken eyes, and muscle contractions in the legs, arms, stomach, and back. In some cases heart failure can occur.
It is a Nursing Homes duty to maintain the health of its residents. A qualified Pennsylvania Nursing Home Lawyer can determine cases of negligence in nursing homes which leads to Malnutrition and Dehydration including:
- insufficient assistance to residents who require help eating
- lack of individualized care
- food served does not provide proper vitamins, minerals, and nutrients
- fruits and vegetables are not provided
- food is not served on schedule or is served cold
- reliance on liquid supplements instead of making sure residents eat enough to receive adequate vitamins and minerals
- staff is not trained to properly assist residents who need help eating or drinking
If a Nursing Home resident is suffering from malnutrition or dehydration, the Nursing Home is responsible for taking proper action to prevent the serious, sometimes fatal health complications associated with these conditions. If you believe that you or someone you know are not receiving proper care please contact a Pennsylvania Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer for a Free Consultation.
