Kansas City Nursing Home Malnutrition & Dehydration Attorney

What Are Malnutrition & Dehydration

Malnutrition and dehydration are serious health issues when the body doesn’t receive the nutrition or hydration needed to function. These conditions are hazardous for elderly residents, as they can worsen other health problems and significantly impact their quality of life.

Malnutrition

Malnutrition occurs when the body doesn’t get enough nutrients, such as proteins, vitamins, and minerals. In nursing homes, this often happens when residents are not given a balanced diet or don’t have assistance with eating. Malnutrition can cause significant health problems, such as weakened immune systems, infections, and muscle wasting, leading to an increased risk of other medical issues.

Dehydration

Dehydration is when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, which can lead to serious complications. In nursing homes, dehydration can occur when staff fails to offer enough fluids or provide assistance to residents who may have difficulty drinking. Dehydration can cause confusion, dizziness, and even kidney failure. Nursing homes must monitor hydration levels closely to prevent these life-threatening issues.

Why Are These Issues Happening in Nursing Homes

Both malnutrition and dehydration are preventable, but unfortunately, they continue to be prevalent in nursing homes across the country. Often, these issues stem from neglect or inadequate care. Some reasons why this happens include:

• Lack of Staff or Training: Nursing homes often have inadequate staff or poorly trained caregivers. They may not correctly assist residents with eating or drinking, which leads to malnutrition or dehydration.
• Failure to Monitor: Nursing homes are responsible for regularly checking on residents to ensure they eat and drink enough. Negligence in monitoring can result in residents’ needs being ignored.
• Medical Conditions: Some elderly residents have medical conditions affecting their eating or drinking ability. When nursing homes fail to provide proper care for these conditions, it can lead to malnutrition and dehydration.

How Can You Tell If Your Loved One Is Suffering

Detecting malnutrition and dehydration early is crucial to preventing long-term harm. Here are some signs to watch out for:

Signs of Malnutrition

• Sudden or unexplained weight loss
• Weakness or fatigue
• Pale skin, dry skin, or brittle nails
• Difficulty swallowing or chewing
• Swelling in the abdomen or limbs
• Mood changes like irritability or depression

Signs of Dehydration

• Dry mouth or tongue
• Dark yellow or amber-colored urine
• Sunken eyes
• Dizziness, confusion, or irritability
• Fatigue or weakness
• Skin that doesn’t return to its standard shape when pinched

If you notice these symptoms in your loved one, don’t wait. It is essential to get them the help they need and hold the nursing home accountable for their actions.

How a Kansas City Nursing Home Malnutrition & Dehydration Lawyer Can Help

When a nursing home fails to provide the proper care, it’s not just a mistake — it’s neglect. As a family member, you may feel helpless, but you have options. An experienced nursing home abuse lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and ensure that your loved one’s rights are protected.

Investigation and Evidence Gathering

Our investigation team will maintain focused work on determining the state of your loved one during this time. We need medical records, eyewitness testimonies, and additional critical evidence that our team will gather to develop a strong case. Medical experts will assist us when required to prove that the nursing home’s negligent behavior caused the injuries experienced by your loved one.

Identifying Negligence or Abuse

Malnutrition and dehydration can often be the result of neglect. We will carefully examine whether the nursing home failed in its duty to provide proper care. Whether it’s a case of understaffing, insufficient training, or neglecting to monitor your loved one’s eating and drinking habits, we’ll find the facts that support your case.

Pursuing Fair Compensation

Suppose your loved one has been harmed by malnutrition or dehydration. In that case, you may be entitled to compensation for the pain and suffering caused, as well as any medical costs associated with their treatment. Compensation may include:

• Medical expenses related to the care and recovery from malnutrition or dehydration
• Pain and suffering experienced by your loved one
• Emotional distress endured by your family
• Costs for ongoing care and rehabilitation
• Punitive damages if the nursing home’s actions were particularly egregious