Everyone must stay properly hydrated, but it is especially important for the elderly and often requires supervision from nursing home staff to stay healthy. As people age their need for water remains the same, but their thirst decreases. This makes the elderly more susceptible to dehydration and requires that caregivers pay particular attention to make sure loved ones drink enough.
Sadly, some studies have shown only 5% of nursing home residents receive proper hydration. While the number of dehydrated nursing home residents is itself problematic, the consequences of dehydration is downright scary. Dehydrated residents are susceptible to diarrhea, vomiting, fever, excessive sweating, and even coma. In serious cases death may occur. In fact, dehydration was shown to account for 1,400 deaths of nursing home residents over a four-year period.
Dehydration can also lead to functional impairments making it difficult for the elderly to drink and communicate their need for fluids. Without proper attention from nursing home staff, these impairments make the dehydration even more severe. Yet, nursing home staff often fail to properly monitor because of unqualified or ill-trained staff. In other cases, dehydration occurs because of systemic negligence or neglect.
If your loved one has suffered injury or illness in a nursing home as a result of dehydration, we encourage you to contact our law firm. Nursing home staff have a duty to make sure residents stay properly hydrated. Your family should not be left to pick up the pieces when they fail to do so.
Nursing home abuse and negligence claims involve many complex legal and medical issues. Having the right attorney is essential to recovering what you deserve.
Our Midwest nursing home abuse law firm will do everything possible to assist you in obtaining the maximum compensation you deserve. More importantly, our firm will serve as an ally that will give you and your family the respect and compassion it needs. Contact us to protect your family.
