Dehydration and malnutrition are growing problems in South Carolina nursing homes, as they place residents at great risk. Many nursing homes are facing challenges in caring for an aging population that is increasing at a rapid rate. These problems can result in serious health problems, most of which are largely preventable. Below, our Mount Pleasant nursing home abuse lawyer outlines how malnutrition and dehydration impact elderly residents, and the steps to take if you suspect your loved one is not being treated fairly.
How Prevalent is Malnutrition and Dehydration in Nursing Homes?
Alarmingly, dehydration and malnutrition are growing problems in America’s nursing homes. It is also largely underreported, and so, the following stats are probably even more concerning than what is reported:
- Multiple studies over the last few decades have shown that 35 to 85 percent of nursing home residents suffer from malnourishment.
- Approximately 30 to 50 percent of nursing home residents have low body weights.
- Electrolyte and fluid disorders in frail elderly individuals are most commonly caused by dehydration in long-term care facilities.
The above statistics are startling and highlight just how common dehydration and malnutrition in nursing homes are.
Consequences of Malnutrition and Dehydration in Nursing Homes
Malnutrition and dehydration are dangerous conditions for anyone, but for the elderly, the consequences are particularly severe. The main complications resulting from malnutrition and dehydration in nursing homes are as follows:
- Increased risk of infections, such as pneumonia and urinary tract infections
- Development of bed sores, which can be fatal
- Hypotension and anemia
- Impaired condition and confusion
- Delayed healing of wounds
- Increased risk of falling and broken bones
When residents suffer from nursing home malnutrition and dehydration they can also develop acute illnesses, which can require a longer length of stay and increased morbidity. In fact, residents who do not receive proper nutrition in care homes have a five times greater mortality rate than those who do.
What Causes Nursing Home Malnutrition and Dehydration?
Nursing home malnutrition happens for several reasons. The most common of these include:
- Chronic health issues: Nursing home residents who have lost a significant amount of weight may experience depression, which often goes unreported and untreated. Approximately 60 to 70 percent of nursing home residents throughout the country suffer from cognitive impairment and can no longer feed themselves.
- Oral health issues: According to one study, up to 70 percent of nursing home residents struggle with dental decay that has not been treated. Others have missing teeth or poorly fitting dentures, which makes eating unpleasant and difficult.
- Issues swallowing: Residents suffering from conditions such as stroke, dementia, or Parkinson’s disease make up 40 to 60 percent of the nursing home population in America. These conditions can cause difficulty swallowing.
- Side effects of medication: Medications such as psychotropics, digitalis, some antibiotics, and even Aspirin can irritate the stomach and cause a decreased appetite.
- Insufficient staffing: Insufficient staffing is a main cause of nursing home abuse in South Carolina, and this remains true in cases involving malnutrition and dehydration, as well. Without a sufficient number of staff members, not all nursing home residents can be properly cared for, including receiving supervision while eating.
- Lack of personalized care: Preventing dehydration and malnutrition in nursing homes requires attention to detail and close personal care. Even when a facility is staffed properly, workers may not provide the proper care to ensure a resident is able to eat and drink sufficiently.
Ensuring Proper Nutrition in Care Homes
Under the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987, long-term care facilities are required to provide proper nutrition in care homes. Under the Act, nursing home facilities must:
- Maintain an acceptable standard of nutrition for all residents
- Provide sufficient staffing to meet the needs of residents
- Conduct regular nutritional assessments
- Develop customized care plans for each resident
- Ensure involvement of physicians and other professionals, as necessary
What to Do if You Suspect Malnutrition and Dehydration
Suspecting that your loved one is suffering from nursing home malnutrition and dehydration is incredibly upsetting. It is natural to feel upset and unsure of what steps to take next.
The first thing to do is to start taking meticulous notes of what you have observed. Include dates, times, and symptoms you noticed in your loved one, such as sudden weight loss. Also speak with your loved one and take notes regarding their observations and experiences surrounding meal time, and the nutrition they are receiving.
You should then speak to the nursing home staff members and administrator. Express your concerns and inquire as to whether there have been any changes in your loved one that may explain the symptoms you have observed. While speaking to staff members or the administrator, also request a care plan meeting. The meeting will involve a formal review of your loved one’s nutritional needs, and create or adjust a care plan.
If possible, it can also help to have your loved one examined by an independent physician. If the physician believes your family member has been harmed due to malnutrition or dehydration, contact the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).
Lastly, you may consider taking legal action for the harm your loved one suffered. While your loved one may not want to relive their experience, and you may want to avoid the hassle of a lawsuit, filing a lawsuit against the facility for their wrongdoing is important. If you are successful with your lawsuit, you can obtain compensation for your loved one’s losses, such as incurred medical expenses and pain and suffering.
Our Nursing Home Abuse Attorney in Mount Pleasant Can Help Your Family
Malnutrition and dehydration can cause irreparable harm to older individuals. If your loved one has suffered this type of harm while in a nursing home, we can help. At Rikard & Protopapas, our Mount Pleasant nursing home abuse attorney can help you obtain an independent examination for your family member, advise on the facts of your case, and negotiate for the fair settlement you and your family deserve. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to get the legal help you need.