Dehydration

Holding Nursing Homes Accountable for Dehydration

Dehydration is a frequent cause of hospitalization of the elderly. It may also be a sign of nursing home neglect. If your family member has developed symptoms of dehydration after being admitted to a Colorado, South Dakota, or Wyoming nursing home, contact The O'Connell Law Firm, P.C. for a free initial consultation.

A nutritional diet with plenty of liquids is important to prevent physical decline in the elderly. Nursing home staff are required to monitor fluid intake for residents who are at risk for dehydration, such as:

• Residents with Alzheimer's or dementia
• Residents suffering from colds or flu
• Residents who are incontinent
• Residents who take mediation such as diuretics

Since the elderly often have a reduced sense of thirst, nursing home staff need to take proactive measures to hydrate residents. Dehydration can result in a downward spiral in a patient's health that may result in hospitalization and death.

Dehydration: A sign of nursing home neglect

We count on nursing homes to care for family members who can no longer care for themselves. It is shocking for family members to learn that a loved one is suffering from dehydration. It is a sign that your family member is not receiving basic care and attention from the nursing home staff.

Signs of dehydration include dizziness or weakness, lethargy, sunken eyes, dry eyes and mouth, and skin that lacks elasticity. If you notice signs of dehydration in a family member, you should notify the nursing home staff. Next, speak to attorney Michael O'Connell at our firm. We will thoroughly investigate the cause of your loved one's health condition and hold the nursing home accountable.

To speak to a lawyer about nursing home abuse or negligence, contact us at The O'Connell Law Firm, P.C. for a free initial consultation. We represent nursing home residents and their families in Colorado, South Dakota, and Wyoming.

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