Washington D.C. Malnutrition Lawyer
Maryland Nursing Home Neglect Attorney
Loss of appetite is not uncommon in elderly people. But whether through normal eating, nutritional supplements or intravenous fluids, nursing home residents must be adequately nourished. The Nursing Home Reform Act established standards that nursing homes must live up to. It is the moral and legal responsibility of nursing homes and care facilities to care for residents, including hydrating and feeding them. Contact a Washington, D.C., malnutrition attorney.
What Causes Nursing Home Malnutrition?
Immobility of many patients contributes to a lack of appetite. And institutional dining is not particularly appealing. Aside from loss of appetite among older people, many illnesses make chewing or swallowing difficult.
Signs of Malnutrition
We do not expect our grandparents or elderly parents to look as healthy as they did a generation ago. But malnutrition can cause them to look very unhealthy in the following ways:
- Weight loss and loose fitting clothing
- Protruding bones
- Poor skin quality
- Cracks around the mouth
- Pale lips
- Tooth loss
- Sunken eyes
- Ill-fitting dentures
- Hair falling out
- Wounds that do not heal
- Mental confusion or lethargy
- Bed sores
Ultimately, malnutrition can lead to reduced immunity, pneumonia, muscle weakness, immobility and falls, infection, and death.
Duties of Caregivers
Nurses and aids should proactively encourage and assist in eating, and monitor food and water intake. If your family member has suffered dehydration or malnutrition, do not accept any excuse. Contact a Washington, D.C., malnutrition attorney at Schultz & Trombly if you suspect a problem. We will listen to you, answer your questions, and offer options which may include litigation.
Call (202) 775-8888 or e-mail the firm for a consultation with one of our Maryland nursing home neglect lawyers.