A patient in a hospital bed with an IV.

If you or a loved one has suffered from dehydration, malnutrition, or any other form of nursing home abuse, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, wrongful death, among other losses. Our personal injury firm works with some of the most experienced nursing home abuse lawyers across the country who fight for injured peoples’ rights every day. We charge no legal fees until you secure the settlement or award you are entitled to, so feel free to contact us any time for a free (no-obligation) case evaluation.

Have You Seen Evidence of Dehydration or Malnutrition in Your Loved One in the Nursing Home?
Call Today for a Free Case Evaluation!

How Can I Detect Dehydration or Malnutrition in a Loved One?

An elderly woman in a nursing home.

If your loved one is in a nursing home or assisted living facility, there are some early signs of dehydration and malnutrition you should be sure to look for. We always want to trust the facility our loved ones stay in, but exercising heightened awareness during visits can make all the difference in the world. If you see any unexplained weight loss, dry skin, sunken eyes, sores in the mouth, cracks around the lips, or listlessness and apathy, your loved one may be suffering from dehydration or malnutrition.

What Injuries Commonly Result from Dehydration and Malnutrition?

Liquid nutrients and assisted eating may be necessary for patients to receive the nutrients and liquids their body needs. In cases of neglectful feeding and medicating, malnutrition and dehydration can result. The two are often paired. Serious injury and even death can result from malnutrition and dehydration. These injuries include:

  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Falls
  • Pneumonia
  • Infections
  • Anemia
  • Bruises
  • Pain and discomfort
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Fractured hips from falls
  • Fractured bones from falls
  • Bedsores
  • Death

Why are the Elderly More Prone to Dehydration and Malnutrition?

A nursing home employee helping to feed an elderly woman.

The elderly are prone to dehydration and malnutrition because they often have poor appetites and other medical problems that block the absorption of nutrients. Elderly folks often have poor appetites due to loss of taste, medication, and difficulty chewing. Additionally, certain medical conditions and medications require increased nutrients. With proper care and supervision, nursing home patients can get the nutrients and liquid intake they need. Unfortunately, many nursing homes are often severely understaffed and are rushed to take care of more patients then they are capable of. It is not uncommon to find full trays of food laying at a patient’s bedside for hours on end, without a bite taken.

Why Call d’Oliveira & Associates?

2 clients talking to a personal injury lawyer regarding a nursing home negligence case.

If you believe that a loved one has been subject to dehydration, malnutrition, or any other form of nursing home abuse, please do not hesitate to contact an experienced lawyer to help you understand your legal rights. Our experienced Rhode Island nursing home abuse lawyers know how to get you the compensation you deserve, and charge no legal fees until you have secured that settlement or award. Feel free to contact us anytime at (800) 992-6878 or fill out a contact form online, for a free (no-obligation) case evaluation.