Dehydration Dangers in Knoxville Nursing Homes

Ensure the Safety of Your Loved Ones against Dehydration Dangers in Knoxville Nursing Homes

Elderly people are at high risk of health conditions exacerbated by dehydration. This serious condition drains fluids from their body and drasticly disrupts their normal body functions. Due to aging, older adults’ bodies are less likely to retain water content and react to thirst, especially when they suffer from a condition like Dementia or Alzheimer’s. Plus, restricted mobility or problems with mobility can make it difficult for them to get a drink or water for themselves.

Some Information Related to Dehydration Dangers Facing the Elderly at Nursing Homes

Danger of dehydration in Knoxville nursing homes are common. A research study conducted on 40 patients of the nursing home to test their consumption of fluid found that they all experience some degree of dehydration. Out of those 40 patients, 25 had also developed some type of ailment due to dehydration. People living in nursing homes are at greater risk of dehydration, especially if they need assistance to feed them, and they may not be able to take enough fluids independently.

If you observe that your loved one is dehydrated or not receiving enough fluids while living in the nursing home in Knoxville, The Higgins Firm is here to provide expert consultation. We are extensively experienced attorneys in Knoxville, TN, who have handled hundreds of nursing home abuse and neglect cases. We work with you to identify the root causes and file your case so that the law takes action against the culprit nursing home and provides compensation to you and your loved one.

Causes of Dehydration

There can be several reasons for dehydration in the elderly living at nursing homes in Knox County, TN. Some elderly people have difficulties swallowing, or they cannot communicate to the staff that they are feeling thirsty or dehydrated and need to take fluids. In some cases, there can be a language barrier between the resident and nursing home staff as the resident’s native language may be different from the language of the nursing staff. Moreover, the nursing home staff may not be properly trained to understand residents’ needs for fluid intake, resulting in them overlooking requirements. Some other causes may include the following:

• Sore throats or cold limiting fluid intake
• Excessive sweating due to intake of particular medications
• Vomiting or diarrhea resulting from illness
• Increase in urination because of diuretics

Whatever the case, it’s the responsibility of nursing homes to understand that all dependent residents have special needs and may not be able to communicate their fluid intake needs. They need to ensure that people in their care receive enough attention and care to prevent dehydration. Nursing homes can prevent medical complications by recognizing potential dehydration early through proper interventions.

Signs of Dehydration in Elderly at Nursing Homes in Knox County, TN

Dehydration, if left undetected, can worsen over time. It should be treated as early as possible to prevent serious complications. Irrespective of age or gender, most elderly patients experience similar dehydration symptoms. If your loved one has any of these symptoms, you should actively seek help and observe if the nursing home provides adequate care and treatment.

• Pale and dry skin
• Canker sores
• Sporadic urination
• Nagging thirst
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Irritability
• Increased heart rate
• Difficulty in walking
• Low blood pressure or hypotension
• Muscle cramps

By increasing the individual’s fluid intake, it is possible to reverse mild to moderate dehydration. However, advanced stage dehydration needs immediate medical intervention. If you observe symptoms of dehydration in your loved one that results in serious complications, it’s considered neglect of a nursing home in Knoxville under both state and federal laws. And The Higgins Firm can help.

We can help you file a lawsuit against the abuse or neglect of a nursing home in Knoxville, TN, to provide you justice for your loved one. Moreover, we required compensation for your loved ones to ensure they receive the highest quality care.

Dehydration Complications in the Nursing Home Residents

If left unattended for some time, dehydration can lead to serious complications in the elderly. Therefore, it’s critical that nursing home staff closely monitor the residents, and if they find dehydration symptoms, they should immediately attend to them. Some common complications due to dehydration include but are not limited to the following:

• Brain swelling
• Coma
• Seizures resulting from electrolytes imbalance
• Urinary tract infections
• Kidney diseases, kidney stones, or failure

Unfortunately, the staff is not trained properly to understand and identify signs of dehydration and symptoms in many nursing homes. This may even lead to a life-threatening condition.

Take Legal Help and Action against the Neglect of Nursing Homes in Knoxville

Don’t take the risk of dehydration lightly as it may cost the life of your loved one. According to the Nursing Home Reform Act 1987, not providing residents at nursing homes with sufficient hydration is a kind of neglect. By contracting with The Higgins Firm, you can succeed in nursing home neglect claims and receive the compensation your loved one deserves.

Call us now to schedule a free case review and consultation!