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Reviewed by an award-winning attorney at DALLI MARINO
John Dalli, Esq. is a founding member of Dalli & Marino, LLP, and has been litigating and trying complex personal injury and medical malpractice matters in New York City, Brooklyn, Bronx, Queens, Staten Island, Nassau County, Suffolk County and Westchester since 1996.
Your Trusted Nursing Home Dehydration and Malnutrition Lawsuits Lawyers
At Dalli & Marino, LLP, we understand the deep trust families place in nursing homes and the heartbreak when that trust is broken. Since 1996, our New York City nursing home abuse lawyers have fought tirelessly to protect seniors from neglect, physical harm, emotional abuse, and financial exploitation. We’ve secured millions in verdicts and settlements, giving families the justice and compensation they deserve. If you suspect your loved one is suffering from nursing home abuse or neglect in New York City, contact us today for a free consultation. Se habla español.
No matter your age, nutritional well-being and hydration are critical elements that contribute to your quality of life. Yet, many older adults living in nursing homes are at risk of inadequate nutrition and dehydration as a result of abuse and neglect. As such, dehydration and malnutrition remain a complex and widespread issue affecting the welfare of older adults, despite the numerous guidelines and reforms in place.
Malnutrition and dehydration caused by a lack of proper nutrition and fluids can lead to infections, confusion, and muscle weakness, among other side effects. These symptoms can result in immobility, falls, pressure ulcers, pneumonia, and a weak immune system. If you or a loved one are suffering from malnutrition or dehydration while living in a nursing home, you may have a claim for monetary damages. Reach out to the experienced New York elder abuse and neglect attorneys at Dalli & Marino today.
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Dehydration in Nursing Homes
Dehydration occurs when a person loses more water than they take in—a reduction of fluids that leads to harm. Chronic dehydration is a common problem for seniors, and it can lead to kidney failure, brain swelling, seizures, pneumonia, coma, or even death. Symptoms of dehydration can include the following:
- Low blood pressure
- Confusion, irritability, or delirium
- Constipation or decreased urination
- Sunken eyes
- Difficulty walking, dizziness, and headaches
- Rapid breathing or heart rate
- Inability to sweat or produce tears
- Thirst or dry mouth
- Dry skin or decreased skin elasticity
Water intake is essential to the health of patients in nursing homes. Unfortunately, however,
dehydration is commonplace in nursing homes and can seriously harm any person with health problems. Operators of nursing homes must have protocols to try to avoid and treat dehydration among their residents. When they fail to address these needs, negligence occurs.
Malnutrition in Nursing Homes
Malnutrition is a condition that develops when the body is deprived of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients it needs to maintain healthy tissues and organ function. Malnutrition occurs in either undernourished or overnourished people and can lead to a diminished immune system, muscle weakness, poor wound healing, decreased organ function, or death. Symptoms of malnutrition can include the following:
- Confusion
- Fatigue and dizziness
- Dry skin
- Weight loss
- Bloating
- Tooth decay and swollen or bleeding gums
- A decline in mental function
- Muscle loss
Malnourishment is a prevalent problem in nursing homes across the country. It’s essential that these individuals receive a balanced diet, complete with all of the minerals and vitamins their bodies need to maintain health.
Perhaps another contributing factor has to do with the lack of individualized care in nursing homes. Simple acts such as exercise, exposure to fresh air, mental and sensory stimulation, and eating with others can elevate negative moods such as depression and, consequently, an increased appetite. Without these basic elements, the nursing home and its staff may be held negligent.
