NYC Nursing Home Neglect Can Lead to Malnutrition and Dehydration

A nursing home neglect attorney in New York City can help

Dehydration and malnutrition are common results of nursing home neglect.  Proper health requires adequate fluid intake and nutrients in all humans. Our elderly relatives in nursing homes need this too but are often not in a frame of mind or body to know that they are dehydrated or malnourished or, if they know, they may not be able to communicate their condition to the staff or visitors. 

Because of this, one of the primary responsibilities of the staff in a nursing home is to provide reliable, consistent, and quality nutrition and fluids to their patients.  Always.  When they do not do this, you may have a negligence case agains a nursing home.

Symptoms of malnutrition or dehydration in the elderly

Malnutrition and dehydration can be identified by such symptoms as—

When these symptoms go unnoticed by the medical staff, it may show lack of care, as many of these symptoms can be easily spotted by untrained visitors.  If you notice these symptoms in a relative, notify the caregivers immediately, and consider contacting us.  We can evaluate the situation, including meticulous research to determine a pattern of negligence, as evidenced by a history of malpractice claims, to determine if the nursing home should be reported or should be sued.

Other risks of dehydration or malnutrition

Nursing home injuries often occur when negligent care involving patient dehydration or malnutrition create conditions that exacerbate patient health and safety issues.  For example, dehydration or malnutrition can result in the following:

• Pneumonia
• Anemia
• Dizziness, leading to a fall
• Fractures from falls, due to compromised bone health
• Skin health issues, increasing the risk of deadly bed sores
• Compromised immune system, leading to serious infections, such as sepsis
• Urinary tract infections

Inadequate nutrition or hydration can even cause pulmonary failure, leading to death.

Get help with nursing home neglect in New York City

If your elderly loved one in a nursing home has died or has been injured, and you believe that malnutrition or dehydration may have contributed to it, contact Rich & Rich, P.C. today.  We give personal attention to all our clients, prosecuting your medical malpractice case with the passion and determination it deserves.  Rich & Rich, P.C. is small enough to provide the individual attention your case deserves and large enough to pursue any size personal injury case.  Call 646-736-3999 today.