Signs of Dehydration in Nursing Home Patients | Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp

There are a number of reasons why a person stays at a nursing home, assisted living, or rehabilitation facility. Some people stay at these facilities because they have recently had a serious illness or major surgery and need to build their strength and rehab before they are able to go home on their own. Other people become permanent residents of these facilities because they have reached a point in their lives where they are no longer able to live on their own because of physical conditions or disabilities and/or mental conditions, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Whatever the reason a person is under the care of one of these facilities, they are entitled to receive quality medical care and quality assistance with their daily personal care. Unfortunately, there are far too many instances of residents suffering from dehydration and malnutrition because of the lack of care they are receiving.

If you suspect a loved one is the victim of nursing home neglect or abuse, reach out to Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp to speak with a Virginia nursing home abuse attorney to find out what legal recourse you may have. In the meantime, the following is a brief overview of this very serious – and sometimes fatal – issue.

Warnings of Dehydration

The human body needs water in order to stay healthy, however, many people are often too busy throughout the day to notice whether they have had enough liquid and may only realize they may be dehydrated because they have a headache or other symptom indication they need to hydrate. However, many nursing home residents are at a serious disadvantage, especially if they are suffering from a cognitive condition or are on medication that affects their memory or ability to think clearly. There are also medical conditions that could interfere with the resident’s ability to sit up or even swallow.

There are several signs that a resident may be suffering from dehydration, including:

  • Dark color urine
  • Decreased urine production
  • Disorientation
  • Dizziness
  • Dry mouth
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle cramps

If a resident suffers from chronic dehydration, they can suffer from urinary tract infections, seizures, and hypovolemic shock.

Warnings of Malnutrition

Nursing homes and assisted living facilities also have a duty of care to ensure that residents are provided nutritious meals every day. And because the majority of residents are suffering from some form of chronic medical condition, it is even more imperative that they receive the nutrition they need in order for their bodies to fight against these diseases. But studies show that about 20 percent of all nursing home residents in this country suffer from some degree of malnutrition. When a resident doesn’t receive adequate nutrition, they can suffer from the following:

  • Dental problems
  • Fatigue
  • Higher rate of bedsores
  • Psychological issues
  • Skin yellowing
  • Weakness
  • Weight loss

Let a Skilled Virginia Nursing Home Abuse Attorney Help

If your elderly loved one has been the victim of nursing home abuse or neglect, contact a Virginia nursing home abuse attorney to find out what legal recourse your family may have. At Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp, we have been aggressively advocating for victims for more than three decades and have helped many nursing home abuse victims receive compensation for their injuries, as well as hold the perpetrators who committed the abuse responsible.

Contact our office today to set up a free and confidential consultation with one of our dedicated nursing home abuse attorneys today.

 

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