Dehydration & Malnutrition

Ohio Nursing Home Neglect Lawyers

Nutrition and hydration – food and water are the most basic elements of care. Yet too frequently, our attorneys see evidence of dehydration and malnutrition in nursing home, assisted living, senior-care facility, or home-care residents. If you have observed weight loss in a resident of a nursing home, it may be an important signal that your friend or family member is not receiving proper care. Contact our Cleveland firm to speak with an attorney about measures you should take to protect the resident.
 

Dehydration and malnutrition and nursing home neglect

Ohio nursing homes are regulated by state and federal laws that require staff to evaluate the specific needs of a resident, serve nutritious meals appropriate for that individual, monitor the resident’s intake of nutrition and liquids, and watch for weight loss. Dehydration and malnutrition in an elderly resident are generally signs of nursing home neglect. A failure to see that a patient receives adequate nutrition is considered negligence.
 

Causes of dehydration and malnutrition in residents

Elderly people often have trouble swallowing, have poor appetites, or suffer from digestive disorders that make it uncomfortable to eat. A refusal to eat might be a symptom of depression, or another problem. In any case where a resident is not eating or drinking, family, professional counselors, and staff should be called on to work together for a solution. It is the responsibility of the nursing home to address dietary problems.
 

Consequences of poor nutrition and hydration

A patient who is not receiving sufficient nutrition or drinking enough liquids, may suffer serious injury or illness. Bedsores, urinary tract infections, organ failure, shock, coma, and even death may result from dehydration and malnutrition. Moreover, dementia may worsen and the patient’s mobility may drop.

It is important to take action quickly if you suspect that neglect on the part of nursing home staff has caused or may cause a serious injury to a resident. An elder care lawyer at Dennis Seaman & Associates, our Northeast Ohio firm, will help you determine how to proceed. Our attorneys represent clients throughout Ohio, including the communities of Lorain, Akron, Canton, Painesville, Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo, Dayton, Youngstown, Parma, and Cleveland in cases of nursing home neglect and abuse. We are also long-standing members of the American Association for Justice, and as such, we are connected to a nationwide network of attorneys.

Lawyers at Dennis Seaman & Associates have earned a reputation in the national legal community for setting standards in Ohio personal injury law. Call: 216 696-1080 or e-mail our office to arrange a free consultation about a case of nursing home neglect.