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Nursing Home Care and Malnutrition

No one likes to think of nursing home care being so poor that residents literally starve to death. However, in some extreme cases, this is precisely what happens. Without properly trained and supervised staff to carefully monitor the nutritional intake of nursing home residents, no one may be aware of a resident’s declining medical condition until it is too late. Malnutrition can occur when residents do not eat a balanced diet, or simply do not take in enough nutrition to sustain their bodies.

Many nursing home patients may experience a lack of appetite for a number of reasons. For instance, depression can lead to little or no appetite. Nursing home patients may have dental problems that make it difficult for them to eat. They also may receive medication that suppresses their appetites or causes nausea. Finally, due in part to a lack of staffing and the need to feed a large number of residents, nursing homes may serve food that is not kept at the correct temperature until it is served, food may be bland and unappetizing, and staff may need to hurry residents through their meals in order to accommodate everyone who needs to eat.

There are a number of signs that you typically can see in malnourished individuals, but these symptoms all too often are attributable to medication side effects or other medical conditions altogether. Some of these symptoms include: tooth decay, mental decline and confusion, dry skin, weight loss, bloated abdomen, and fatigue. If you notice any of these symptoms in your loved one who lives in a nursing home, you should take immediate steps to determine the cause the symptoms, whether they result from malnutrition or another source.

At Boller & Vaughan, we are dedicated to protecting the rights to those who have been wrongfully injured. We have the experience and knowledge to investigate your case, explore your options, and pursue any legal claims that you may have. Contact your Wisconsin nursing home neglect attorneys today at (608) 268-0268 and set up your free consultation today.