Recognizing the Signs of Nursing Home Neglect: Expert Analysis from a Local Nursing Home Abuse Attorney
A form of nursing home abuse is when the staff neglect to address the needs of the residents. Elderly patients who do not receive proper care are at risk for physical damage such as malnutrition and dehydration. It will be important for victims to be represented by proven Clearwater nursing home abuse lawyers who are experienced in handling nursing home abuse cases.
Clearwater Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Discuss How Nursing Home Neglect Results in Malnutrition
The broad definition of “neglect” is the failure to prevent physical harm, mental anguish and emotional suffering. In a nursing home setting, neglect by the staff might be a failure to monitor a patient’s body weight and provide food with the necessary nutrients. Patients who do not receive this care will likely show signs of malnutrition and dehydration. A patient suffering from malnutrition will experience significant weight loss.
The patients most at risk for malnutrition are either not able to feed themselves or have psychological or emotional issues. Consequently, they are vulnerable in nursing homes that are understaffed; they may not get the food they need in a timely manner, receive help in feeding themselves or receive consistent, careful attention from staff if they have medical conditions or take medication which may cause loss of appetite.
A Clearwater Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Explains How Nursing Home Neglect Causes Dehydration
Nursing home residents who do not receive enough fluids every day may suffer from dehydration. Nursing homes do not always monitor fluid intake and output for patients or keep patient records as diligently as a hospital, meaning residents do not always receive sufficient amount of fluids. The prominent signs of dehydration are sunken cheeks, dry mouth, dry or tough skin, loss of weight, hypertension and confusion.
Elderly victims of nursing home abuse deserve justice and fair compensation for their injuries. To find out what proven Clearwater nursing home abuse lawyers can do for your nursing home abuse case, please call the law offices of Peter Giroux at (727) 895-5399. The initial consultation is free.