Malnutrition and Dehydration in Nursing Homes
When patients in nursing homes become malnourished and dehydrated, it is sometimes because there is a lack of supervision to monitor how much they eat and drink. Their weight is not monitored regularly. No one helps them eat. Drastic measures, such as tube feeding or IV hydration, are often undertaken too late. Patients die, not from their presenting condition such as cancer or dementia, but because of the lack of food and liquid.
Nursing homes have a legal duty to provide proper nutrition and hydration
It is common for the elderly to have a decreased appetite. When nursing facilities are asked to account for a severe case of malnutrition or dehydration, they often defend themselves by saying that the patient refused to eat. This is not a defense, however. Nursing homes have a legal duty to keep the patient as healthy as possible. Part of this obligation entails providing them with adequate nourishment and hydration. Neglecting this duty is a violation of their license to operate a nursing home.
A care facility should act to correct inadequate nutrition in a patient
They should evaluate whether the patient is competent to make a decision about eating and drinking. They should consider interventions such as IVs and tube feedings. They should try nutritional supplements, appetite stimulants and dietary changes. Standard nursing care requires staff to consider all options to keep a patient adequately fed and hydrated.
Know the signs of malnutrition and dehydration
Family members can usually tell if a patient is being adequately fed and hydrated. If they observe signs of malnutrition and dehydration such as drastic weight loss, chapped lips and very dry skin, they should question the care given to their loved one. If the situation does not change very quickly, they should take action to protect the health and life of the patient.
Contact a lawyer with medical and legal knowledge
At my Seattle law office, I offer families my ability to evaluate nursing care. Because of my fourteen years of experience working as a nursing supervisor in institutions caring for seniors, I am able to determine whether proper steps are being taken to provide patients with the nutrition and hydration they need. I am also able to file legal complaints against the facility. When these actions are successful, patients have the resources to relocate to a better facility or to receive in-home care. Such actions also let the nursing home know that inadequate care, such as allowing improper nutrition or dehydration, will not be tolerated.
Contact me, Catherine S. Strong, RN, BSN, JD. Let me put my combination of legal and medical knowledge to work for you and your loved one. |