Malnutrition
Holding Nursing Homes Accountable for Malnutrition
Elderly malnutrition can have multiple causes, ranging from diminished appetite to a lack of healthy food. When it occurs in a nursing home, it may also be a sign of neglect. If your family member has developed symptoms of malnutrition in a Colorado, South Dakota, or Wyoming nursing home, contact The O'Connell Law Firm, P.C. for a free initial consultation.
A healthy diet becomes increasingly important as we age to prevent physical decline. Nursing homes are required to assess the nutritional needs of their residents and provide healthy meals and snacks. Nursing home staff are also required to monitor residents and take proactive measures such as offering nutritional supplements when necessary to maintain a resident's health.
Malnutrition is usually caused by inadequate food intake, poor food choices, medication causing a lack or appetite, poor nutrient absorption, or failure to feed your family member. In the most serious cases, malnutrition can cause death due to starvation.
Malnutrition: A sign of nursing home neglect
We count on nursing homes to provide food, shelter, and care for our family members who can no longer care for themselves. It is shocking to learn that a family member is suffering from malnutrition following admission to a nursing home. It is a sign that your family member is not receiving basic care and attention.
Signs of malnutrition may include weight loss, health decline, dizziness, lethargy, and loss of physical and mental abilities. If you notice signs of malnutrition 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 neglect or abuse, 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.
