Malnutrition and Nursing Home Care: What Family Members Need to Know

Malnutrition and Nursing Home Care: What Family Members Need to Know

Admitting that it’s time to pursue assisted living or nursing home care for a loved one can be difficult, especially when you’re concerned about the quality of care. This article shows you exactly what you need to understand about malnutrition and other risks associated with nursing home living.

If you’ve been thinking about moving your loved one to a nursing home facility, chances are you understand that your family member needs a high level of personal care. Nursing homes are designed to ensure that your loved one is able to live comfortably and receive round-the-clock assistance as needed. Unfortunately, some nursing homes are guilty of neglecting their residents. Resident neglect can include injuries, such as bruising or fractured bones, but it can also include malnutrition. This can make the decision to move your family member to a nursing home quite challenging. If you already have a loved one who lives in a nursing home, you might be wondering how you can ensure that your loved one receives appropriate care. There are a few things you need to know about nursing home neglect, prevention, and moving forward.

What should you look for in a nursing home?

When you’re ready to move your loved one to a nursing home, it’s important to seek out a reputable location. Chances are you have several facilities to choose from, so take your time finding one you feel comfortable at. Ideally, a nursing home will have a good local reputation, as well as carefully trained staff members. It’s also important that the nursing home have enough staff members, as understaffed locations may experience higher rates of patient neglect.

What exactly is malnutrition?

Many factors contribute to malnutrition in a nursing home environment. If a patient does not have enough food to eat or does not handle their food well, they may become dehydrated. This can lead to many other health problems. Similarly, if a patient does not receive enough of the proper foods they need to flourish, they may develop vitamin deficiencies that can further complicate their care.

What are the signs of malnutrition?

Make sure you visit your loved one on a regular basis. This is one of the best ways to ensure they are receiving appropriate care. When you visit your relative, observe their appearance. If they have suddenly lost a lot of weight, developed cracks in their skin, or have extremely dry skin, they may be dehydrated or malnourished as a result of nursing home neglect. Your family member’s mood is also a strong indicator of their level of care. If they seem agitated or anxious, they may be experiencing nursing home neglect.

If you suspect that your family member is being mistreated in their nursing home, it’s time to reach out and get the help you need. The right attorney will make an incredible difference in seeking help for your family member. Call today to schedule a consultation about your nursing home experience.