Nursing Home Malnutrition and Dehydration Lawyer, San Francisco Bay Area

Symptoms of Dehydration and Malnourishment in Nursing Home Residents

Recognizing the symptoms of dehydration and malnutrition in nursing home residents is crucial for ensuring their health and well-being. These conditions can lead to severe complications if not addressed promptly.

Symptoms of Malnutrition

• Unintentional Weight Loss: Significant weight loss over a short period is a primary indicator.
• Muscle Wasting: Loss of muscle mass and strength leads to increased frailty.
• Prolonged Fatigue: Persistent tiredness can leave residents bedridden.
• Delayed Wound Healing: Nutrient deficiencies slow down the body's ability to heal.
• Frequent Infections: An immune system can weaken due to a lack of essential nutrients.
• Depression and Apathy: Low mood and lack of interest in daily activities often point to poor health.
• Dry, Flaky Skin and Lips: Signs of both dehydration and nutrient deficiency can appear on the skin.
• Sunken Cheeks: Severe malnutrition can cause a hollow facial appearance.

Symptoms of Dehydration

• Skin Changes: Inelastic skin that does not return to normal quickly when pinched.
• Cognitive Changes: Confusion, irritability, and disorientation.
• Nagging Thirst And Dry Mouth: Constant feeling of thirst and dryness in the mouth.
• Dizziness and Sleepiness: Frequent lightheadedness and lethargy.
• Decreased Urine Output: Dark urine and reduced frequency of urination.
• Rapid Breathing and Low Blood Pressure: Indicators of severe dehydration.
• Pale, Dry Skin: Lack of sweating and overall dryness of the skin.
• Frequent Infections: Associated with a weakened immune response.

Additional Symptoms to Monitor

• Difficulty Staying Warm: Feeling cold often, even in warm environments.
• Poor Concentration: Difficulty focusing and maintaining attention.
• Thrush and Swollen Gums: Oral health issues that arise due to nutrient deficiencies.
• Hair Loss: Thinning hair associated with malnutrition or chronic dehydration.

If a loved one in a nursing home is showing these signs, discuss your concerns with the staff and consider seeking legal guidance.

Why Dehydration and Malnutrition Are Especially Concerning for Nursing Home Residents

Many nursing home residents need help with eating and drinking. Some of them are unable to feed themselves because of cognitive impairments.

Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is associated with certain health conditions more common among older adults. People with dysphagia require continuous supervision and assistance during meals. But even residents who can feed themselves require careful monitoring to ensure they consume enough and avoid choking incidents.

People who experience malnutrition or dehydration are at higher risk of infections and prolonged illness due to their weakened immune systems. This issue is especially critical among the elderly, whose health is already compromised by age and underlying medical conditions.

Malnutrition and dehydration in the elderly can result in severe health issues:

• Weakened immune systems
• Pneumonia
• Bedsores
• Kidney failure
• Impaired wound healing
• Coma

In the most severe cases, these conditions can cause wrongful death.

Filing a Lawsuit Against a Nursing Home for Malnourishment and Dehydration

California nursing home residents are entitled to receive proper nutrition and hydration.

In some cases, residents can refuse to accept nutrition through a feeding tube or IV hydration. But for most nursing home residents, the staff must serve nutritious meals at appropriate times and meet the residents’ hydration needs. Failure to meet these standards can lead to legal liability if residents suffer from malnutrition and dehydration.

Damages in Malnourishment and Dehydration Cases

If your loved one has suffered from dehydration or malnutrition due to negligence or abuse in a California nursing home, they may be entitled to recover compensation.

Through a lawsuit, they can seek damages that include:

• Medical Bills: Costs for past, current, and future medical treatment related to malnutrition or dehydration.
• Extra Costs: Any additional expenses incurred due to the neglect.
• Physical Pain and Emotional Suffering: Compensation for the physical discomfort and emotional distress experienced.

In cases where malnutrition or dehydration has led to death, certain family members can pursue additional damages:

• Loss of Love, Guidance, and Affection: Emotional and relational losses suffered by the family.
• Funeral and Burial Costs: Expenses related to the final arrangements for the deceased.

If nursing home neglect has led to the death of your loved one, contact Susan Kang Gordon, A Professional Law Corporation, to discuss your next steps.

Who Has the Right to Initiate a Nursing Home Dehydration and Malnutrition Lawsuit?

The nursing home resident or their appointed legal representative can file a claim when the resident has experienced physical harm due to nursing home neglect. They must act within a certain time frame called the “statute of limitations” for the claim to be successful.

In California, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim is usually two years. However, some claims against healthcare providers have a one-year time limit. This shorter statute of limitations may apply to a malnutrition or dehydration lawsuit, depending on what type of facility the neglect occurred in and who was responsible for it.

When someone dies due to nursing home neglect, their spouse, children, or other heirs may file a wrongful death lawsuit, or the deceased person’s representative may file on behalf of the heirs. Through this type of lawsuit, the family can try to compel the nursing home to change its policies and seek compensation for their losses.

Steps to Take If You Suspect Elderly Malnutrition or Dehydration

If you suspect that your loved one is suffering from malnutrition or dehydration in a nursing home, it is crucial to act quickly.

Here are the steps you should follow:

• Document Signs and Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of physical or behavioral changes, such as weight loss, muscle wasting, dry skin, or confusion.
• Communicate With Nursing Home Staff: Express your concerns to the staff and request a comprehensive care plan to address your loved one’s needs.
• Seek Medical Attention: Arrange for a healthcare professional to evaluate your loved one’s condition and provide necessary medical care.
• Consider Transferring to Another Facility: If the current nursing home fails to address your concerns, look into transferring your loved one to a different facility.
• Consult With a Dehydration and Malnutrition Attorney: Speak with a lawyer to understand your options and protect your loved one.

When your loved one is at risk, you have the power to take action. Contact Susan Kang Gordon, A Professional Law Corporation, today.

Why Choose Us to Seek Justice for Your Elderly Loved One?

When it comes to seeking justice for victims of dehydration and malnutrition in nursing homes, Susan Kang Gordon stands out as a formidable advocate. Among many other honors, she has been named Trial Lawyer of the Year by both the San Francisco Trial Lawyers Association (2022) and the Ventura County Trial Lawyers Association (2021).

As dedicated legal advocates, our primary mission is to seek justice for vulnerable older adults. Our proven track record in elder abuse cases demonstrates our commitment to protecting the rights and well-being of the elderly.

With our empathetic and thorough approach, you can trust us to fight tirelessly for justice and fair compensation for your loved one.