Malnutrition and Dehydration in Tennessee Nursing Homes
Nursing home abuse can take many shapes and forms. Although thousands of cases are filed in the U.S. each year, as a Nashville nursing home negligence lawyer might explain, no two are exactly alike. Some involve obvious injuries, including broken bones, bruises, or restraint marks. However, others are less apparent. Unfortunately, these types of cases may go on for several years before they are ever noticed, let alone reported. Regardless of what has happened to your elder loved one, if you suspect that abuse or neglect has occurred, it is advisable to call a nursing home negligence lawyer in Nashville, TN as soon as possible.
Nursing Home Abuse in Tennessee
In Tennessee, the two most common types of nursing home abuse are a result of staff neglect and include dehydration and malnutrition. Both of these physical problems tend to occur when the nursing home is understaffed. According to recent Federal Data, out of 14,000 nursing home facilities that must report to the Federal government, 7 in 10 are understaffed. The new records also show that on at least one day in a three month period, there were no registered nurses on site. Furthermore, since 2014, nursing home inspectors have cited one in eight facilities for not having enough nurses.
Understaffing of a nursing home can cause patients to not be fed in a timely matter. This is especially common for those who require feeding assistance. The average time it takes a staff member to feed a patient is 30 to 60 minutes. When staff is limited, some patients may be skipped or force fed.
Malnutrition in Nursing Homes
When an elder is placed into a Tennessee nursing home, they and their families, expect to have their basic needs taken care of. At the core of these needs is nutrition. Regular meals are essential to the wellbeing of an elderly patient and when they are not being fed every few hours, or at all, malnutrition can result. Regardless of whether or not a patient has dementia, alzheimers, dysphagia, a decrease in senses, or a lack of hunger, there is nothing that justifies neglect on the part of a nursing home.
In other malnutrition cases, a patient may be fed, but not the foods that supply them with the right vitamins and minerals. Failure to meet the patients’ protein needs can result in anemia, low blood pressure, cognitive impairment, and brittle bones. If nutrients are not supplied to a patient on a daily basis, not only can malnutrition result, but also physical and mental health problems.
Dehydration in a Nursing Home
It is certainly possible for an elder to be fed accordingly, but at the same time, not supplied with enough liquids. Dehydration, like malnutrition, is common in nursing homes. Although bed ridden patients and those with dementia are the most vulnerable, dehydration can happen to anyone living at the facility. In addition to diarrhea, weight loss, intense sweating, and internal bleeding, dehydration can cause urinary tract infections, pneumonia, cognitive impairment, and infection.
Malnutrition and dehydration are certainly not the only types of neglect that can occur in a nursing home. If these issues are not identified and reported, the elder may be at risk for serious harm or death.
Working with a Nashville Nursing Home Negligence Lawyer
Discovering neglect or abuse within a nursing home is appalling, and unacceptable. As leading nursing home lawyers in Nashville, we would like to see that no elder suffers any further harm in these facilities. This is one reason we give every case the attention it needs; so as to get justice for the victims and prevent further harm from happening.
The treatment for injuries associated with malnutrition or dehydration can be lengthy and costly. If the facility is responsible for this unnecessary harm, they can be liable for any related losses. By having a qualified nursing home negligence lawyer in Nashville on your side, you can feel peace of mind in knowing the following will be considered:
Once we have built a strong case, we will seek to reach a settlement through negotiations; however, in the event that this is not possible, we will be ready to take your case to trial. When negligent practices made on the part of a nursing home facility victimize your family, turn to The Higgins Firm.
The Higgins Firm: We Stand by Victims of Neglect and Abuse
Nursing homes have a duty to ensure the elder is being fed and hydrated every single day. When this simple duty is not adhered to, and the elder suffers injury, they, or their family, may be able to file a nursing home abuse claim in Tennessee.
The Higgins Firm is dedicated to helping elders and their loved ones stand up for their rights and ensure nursing homes take responsibility for their negligent actions. As a nursing home negligence lawyer Nashville, Tennessee residents trust, we aim to improve the conditions of nursing homes while at the same time making sure victims are compensated for their losses.
Learn More About Your Rights, Call a Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer in Nashville
Contact us online or call us at 800.705.2121 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal options.
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