Warning Signs of Malnutrition and Dehydration in Nursing Homes
Nursing homes in Cherry Hill and all parts of New Jersey have a duty to provide quality medical care for their residents. This duty includes providing their residents with the food, drink, and nutrition that they need. When nursing homes cause malnutrition or dehydration of a resident, that resident has the right to file a personal injury action against the nursing home within the applicable statute of limitations. The right to file a personal injury action applies when malnutrition or dehydration results from neglect, inadequate care, or, in rare cases, intentional deprivation.
The duty to protect nursing home residents from malnutrition and dehydration is reinforced by federal long-term care requirements that apply to Medicare- and Medicaid-participating nursing facilities, in addition to New Jersey licensing rules. Federal rules require an initial comprehensive assessment after admission and periodic reassessments, including a quarterly review at least every three months (and a comprehensive reassessment at least annually), which inform the resident’s care plan and nutritional support.
Residents can also file civil claims based on breach of contract and negligence principles.
What are malnutrition and dehydration?
Malnutrition
According to the Cleveland Clinic, nursing home malnutrition occurs when a resident does not receive enough nutrients to maintain their tissues and functions. “Even the lack of a single vitamin or mineral can have serious health consequences for your body.” There are four types of malnutrition:
- This condition involves a deficiency of essential nutrients. Undernutrition can cause a visible loss of muscle and fat, but it can also be invisible. Even overweight people can suffer from undernutrition.
- Macronutrient undernutrition. This type of malnutrition involves a deficiency of macronutrients: proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Without the proper types and amounts of macronutrients, a resident’s body can start to fall apart.
- Micronutrient undernutrition. Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals. They are vital for various bodily functions.
- Macronutrient overnutrition can cause a resident to become overweight or obese, which can cause various medical disorders, such as diabetes and heart disease. Micronutrient overnutrition (such as from taking too many supplements) can cause toxic reactions.
Dehydration
According to the Mayo Clinic, nursing home dehydration happens when a resident uses or loses more fluid than the resident takes in. Without enough water and other fluids, dangerous health conditions can occur. Severe dehydration may require immediate medical attention.
What are the symptoms of malnutrition and dehydration?
Undernutrition signs and symptoms include:
- Loss of body weight, prominent bones, depleted muscles, and fat
- Thin arms and legs
- Weakness, fatigue, and faintness
- Dry or inelastic skin, lesions, and rashes
- More frequent and more serious infections
- The inability to get warm
- Loose-fitting clothes
- Mouth disorders
- Thinning hair
- Low urine output
- Pressure sores/bedsores
Overnutrition signs and symptoms include:
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Resistance to insulin
- Heart disease
Some of the signs and symptoms of dehydration include the following:
- Being very thirsty
- Less urination
- Urine that is darkly colored
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Sunken cheeks or eyes
- Skin that doesn’t return to normal after being pinched
Family members can help relatives by observing any concerning symptoms, taking photos or notes of these symptoms, requesting that their loved one’s nursing home provide immediate medical help, reporting concerns to the New Jersey Long-Term Care Ombudsman office, and contacting our experienced Cherry Hill nursing home neglect lawyers.
Why do malnutrition and dehydration occur in nursing homes?
Some of the causes of malnutrition and dehydration in nursing homes, according to Advocates for Nursing Home Residents (ANHR), include:
Causes that are generally patient-specific
- Illnesses
- Adverse drug reactions
- Loneliness
- Depression
- Mouth disorders
- A lack of exercise
- A lack of individualized care
- Cultural differences (residents may prefer food that matches their cultural background)
- Failing to regulate the medications a resident takes
Causes that are generally due to nursing home neglect
- Untrained staff
- Not enough staff members
- Overreliance on liquid supplements
- Improper positioning of a resident
- Unappetizing food
- Not administering tube feedings when necessary
- Improper oral health care
- Not opening containers for residents
- A lack of fresh water with meals or at a resident’s bedside
- Failing to help residents who have dementia, Alzheimer’s, or other cognitive impairments
What steps should nursing homes take if a resident suffers from malnutrition or dehydration?
Nursing homes should have policies and procedures for all of their residents to ensure that residents have the proper amount of nutrition. These policies should include:
- Hiring enough qualified nutritionists and staff members
- Educating staff members about how to help residents who have specific food and drink challenges
- Responding promptly to any complaints about abuse by staff members (such as staff members who discipline residents by denying the residents the food, drink, or medication they need)
- Having plans for helping residents with physical, emotional, or cognitive challenges
Nursing homes should also have individualized care plans for each resident. For example, these plans should address any food allergies, medication requirements, food likes and dislikes, and many other concerns.
What compensation can nursing home residents receive for nursing home abuse and neglect?
Malnutrition and dehydration, if left untreated, can cause many different types of medical disorders. These disorders may include low blood pressure, bedsores, muscle weakness, bladder disorders, urinary tract infections, kidney failure, diabetes, weight loss or weight gain, and many other disorders. Nursing home abuse and neglect that causes malnutrition and/or dehydration can also be fatal. At Ferrara & Gable, we can work to hold nursing homes accountable when they fail to protect loved ones. We may seek compensation for the following:
- Medical bills to restore their health or manage any health disorders
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Inability to enjoy life’s pleasures
- Loss of any bodily function
- Any other personal or financial harm
At Ferrara & Gable, we’ve been fighting for nursing home residents and other personal injury victims for 50 years. We’re ready to help your loved one now. Please contact us to schedule a free consultation. We can meet clients at our office in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.