Up to 20% of nursing home residents experience malnutrition, a form of neglect. It may also be a sign of other types of neglect.
Our Greenville nursing home malnutrition lawyer at Jordan Law Center explains nursing home malnutrition and negligence.
What is the link between malnutrition and neglect in nursing homes?
Malnutrition may be a sign or the result of neglect or abuse in a nursing home. Adequate nutrition is a basic need for everyone. When nutrition is lacking, it may directly cause harm. It may also be a sign that other forms of abuse and neglect are occurring.
Understanding Nursing Home Malnutrition
Malnutrition is not receiving the food or nourishment that the body needs. Usually, it means receiving insufficient calories, nutrients, or water. It may also mean receiving too much of a nutrient. When a person is malnourished, they do not receive the amount and types of food and water the body needs.
A person may be malnourished whether or not they depend on others for their intake of food. Even a person who lives independently and prepares their meals may be malnourished. However, people who live in care facilities may be particularly at risk.
Common Causes of Malnutrition in Nursing Homes
Food and water are not provided
The care facility may not provide residents with enough food and water. They may cut back on food as a cost-cutting measure. Food may not be nutritious; there may not be fruits and vegetables, or what is provided may not vary enough to be healthy.
Eating opportunities are insufficient.
Even if food is present at the facility, residents may not have opportunities to consume it. They may be rushed through meal periods.
They may be punished if they spill, so anxiety may develop. Eating areas may be crowded and poorly lit. Plates and utensils may be insufficient.
Poor staff training
Staff may not be adequately trained to recognize patient needs. They may not be able to tell when someone’s medical condition has changed. High turnover may mean that caregivers do not know their patients and cannot properly tend to change nutritional needs.
Eating and swallowing difficulties
Nursing home residents may struggle to feed themselves, or they may have trouble swallowing.
Without assistance and medical attention, they may become malnourished.
Illness and specific medical conditions
A person who lives in a nursing home may have unique medical needs that may arise because of advanced age or health conditions.
These issues may result in unique nutritional needs. A person may need specific nutrients, or there may be certain foods to avoid.
Hydration and fluid levels may need monitoring.
Medications
Medications can change a person’s nutritional needs and may interact with food.
Cognitive impairment, communication difficulties
A person who is unable to express their needs may be more likely to experience malnutrition.
Signs of Nursing Home Malnutrition
- Weight loss or sudden weight gain
- Dry skin or skin with an unusual color
- Irritability
- Frailty
- Frequent infections
- Cuts that are slow to heal
- Headaches, fatigue
- Mental decline, confusion
- Depression, anxiety
- Lack of strength
- Falling
- Asking for food or water
- Changes in appetite
The signs of nursing home malnutrition can be subtle. For example, a person may complain of thirst, without being able to articulate that they aren’t given regular opportunities to drink. A person may make vague comments because they fear retaliation for directly expressing their needs.
How Nursing Home Negligence Can Lead to Malnutrition
Nursing homes must provide adequate care for their residents. This is a legal standard as much as it is a moral obligation. Nursing homes may be legally liable when abuse or neglect, a lack of adequate care or protection, occurs.
Malnutrition can be a serious harm in itself. It can also lead to poor outcomes, including serious medical conditions, falls, and mental health decline. It can also cause discomfort. Even though malnutrition may not be intentional, it is often preventable.
A person who suffers malnutrition or complications from malnutrition may qualify to claim financial compensation.
Compensation for elder abuse malnutrition
To receive compensation for elder abuse malnutrition, the claim must show the following:
- Malnutrition occurred. This may be shown with medical records, facility operational records, witness testimony, photographs, video, and other information.
- Neglect occurred. The malnutrition was the result of negligence.
- Harm resulted. A person suffered physical harm because of malnutrition. This may include direct consequences or secondary harm.
- Damages. The person has suffered physically, emotionally, and financially because of nursing home negligence. A claim may also seek pain and suffering.
Malnutrition claims can be complex for various reasons. The victim may not be able to explain what happened. Information may be in the possession of nursing home representatives who are not likely to cooperate. You can have assistance from an experienced nursing home abuse and neglect lawyer to pursue the case.
Steps To Take If You’re Loved One is Malnourished
If you believe your loved one is malnourished, take steps to address their immediate well-being.
Seek medical attention. Bring your concerns to care providers, and note their responses. Ask questions about the care that your loved one is receiving. Follow up to see that needs are being addressed.
The urgency of the situation may inform your response. The person may need urgent medical care. You may need to seek assistance from the South Carolina Long-Term Care Ombudsman.
The person may need to be transferred to another facility or unit. Caregivers may need training, discipline, or removal.
You may have a lawyer help you immediately. They can represent your loved one’s interests in seeking justice and financial compensation.
How a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Can Help
A nursing home abuse lawyer at Jordan Law Center can help someone who has suffered malnutrition and neglect in a South Carolina nursing home. They can advocate for the person, investigate, gather evidence, and pursue legal action.
To see how a nursing home abuse lawyer can help your loved one, call or message us now.
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