Nursing Home Malnutrition & Dehydration in Kansas City, Missouri
Malnutrition and dehydration are signs of nursing home neglect and nursing home abuse. If a nursing home allows a resident to suffer from dehydration or malnutrition, the resident and the family may have a legal cause of action against the nursing home. The resident may be entitled to compensation for medical care, physical pain, emotional suffering, and other damages caused by malnutrition or dehydration.
If you have questions about nursing home abuse or neglect, including dehydration or malnutrition, you should consult with a nursing home abuse and neglect attorney. You can contact our nursing home lawyer in Kansas City, Missouri at 816-203-0143. Our law firm handles nursing home cases throughout Missouri and Kansas and provides free, no obligation consultations.
Why Does Malnutrition or Dehydration Occur in Nursing Homes?
A patient could suffer from malnutrition or dehydration as a result of a medical condition or the side effects of medication. However, failing to notice the signs and symptoms of dehydration or malnutrition, regardless of the cause, could be considered negligence. Nursing home workers should be trained to recognize the signs and immediately take action to prevent further harm.
In many cases, nursing home negligence is the cause of a patient’s malnutrition and dehydration. Examples of negligence that can lead to patients suffering from these conditions include failing to:
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Monitor for signs and symptoms of malnutrition and dehydration.
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Provide sufficient water and other beverages.
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Provide adequate food and nutrition, including providing incorrect serving sizes or foods that do not provide the required vitamins, protein, and minerals.
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Watch patients to ensure they eat and drink sufficient amounts of water and food.
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Hire a sufficient number of staff members to care for the number of residents at the nursing home.
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Develop a meal plan that provides essential dietary needs.
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Record the patient’s food and beverage intake, including any fluids or nutrition given by artificial means.
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Notify the patient’s doctor or other medical staff members of problems regarding eating or drinking.
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Monitor patients to ensure there are no problems with urination or defecation.
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Monitor a patient’s medication to determine if any side effects could result in problems with hydration or nutrition.
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Maintain adequate safety and health policies.
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Provide adequate medical treatment.
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Feed patients who are unable to feed themselves.
An older adult or disabled person relies on the staff members at the nursing home to ensure that their basic needs are met, including proper hydration and nutrition. When the staff members or the nursing facility is negligent, patients can suffer irreparable harm.
Signs and Symptoms of Nursing Home Dehydration and Malnutrition
Family members should learn the signs and symptoms of malnutrition and dehydration, so that they can watch for these conditions when they visit their family members and loved ones. In some cases, family members may be the ones to notice that their loved ones are suffering from these conditions.
Dehydration can result in life-threatening conditions. When a patient loses too much of his or her body fluids, the patient could have difficulty breathing. The patient may begin uncontrollable vomiting or convulsions.
Symptoms and signs of dehydration include:
- Dry mouth
- Thirst
- Dark urine
- Fatigue and unexplained weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Chills
- Very dry skin
- Lightheadedness
- Faintness
Malnutrition can be caused by a lack of food or a lack of proper nutrition in a person’s diet. Malnutrition can also result in life-threatening conditions, including hypoglycemia and anemia.
Symptoms and signs of malnutrition include:
- Weight loss
- Mental decline
- Muscle weakness
- Changes in appetite
- Fatigue
- Breathing difficulties
- Decreased stamina and mobility
- Wounds take longer to heal
- Retained fluids or swelling
What Should I Do If I Suspect Nursing Home Negligence in Kansas City?
If you suspect your loved one in a nursing home is suffering from malnutrition or dehydration in Kansas or Missouri, take immediate steps to obtain medical care for your loved one. Depending on the severity of the condition, you may need emergency medical services.
Once your loved one is stable, file a complaint with the nursing home. Keep copies of all documents and detailed notes of all conversations with the nursing home. You may also want to contact a Kansas City nursing home abuse attorney to discuss your loved one's legal rights. Your family member may require significant medical treatment and personal care. In some instances, you may need to move your loved one to a new facility.
A personal injury or wrongful death claim against the nursing home and other responsible parties can result in compensation for your family member’s expenses, pain, and suffering. A Kansas City nursing home abuse lawyer can help you file a claim and pursue justice for your loved one.
Call Our Kansas City Nursing Home Abuse Attorney for More Information
Our Kansas City nursing home attorney assists individuals and families throughout Kansas and Missouri and holds negligent parties responsible for their actions. If you have questions about nursing home negligence or nursing home abuse, please contact our law firm at 816-203-0143 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. We would be honored to assist you.
