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When a nursing home staff fails to provide the care and attention residents need to keep them in good health, devastating consequences can follow. From injuries caused by the improper use of restraints to worsening conditions caused by medication errors, an elderly nursing home resident can find themselves facing life-threatening danger at every turn.
While malnutrition and dehydration might seem like easy problems to avoid, numerous unexpected factors can influence this outcome. For example, dehydration can be caused by factors including:
- Increased urination caused by medication with a diuretic component
- Colds or a sore throat that might make residents less likely to eat or drink
- Diarrhea and vomiting due to various common illnesses
- Certain medication can lead to loss of bodily fluids through excessive perspiration
- Cognitive impairment can make nursing home residents simply forget to drink liquids
The nursing home staff needs to pay careful attention to the needs of their residents. They must identify the special requirements necessary to keep an individual healthy. Even if conditions are not favorable, they must quickly recognize the common symptoms of dehydration and act immediately to correct the condition.
- Mental confusion
- Trouble speaking
- Dark-colored urine
- Constipation
- Difficulty walking
- Difficulty maintaining balance
- Muscle cramps
- Chronic headaches
- Increased pulse rate
If a nursing home staff acts negligently, residents can suffer devastating consequences. From increased risk for injury to worsening medical conditions, the elderly face health problems if they do not receive the proper nutrition and hydration. If your elderly loved one has suffered at the hands of a negligent nursing home staff, it is wise to seek the guidance of an experienced personal injury attorney.