Nursing Home Negligence & Abuse
Dehydration

Every person must ensure that he or she is properly hydrated. Proper hydration is especially important for the elderly and often requires supervision from nursing home staff. 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 stay hydrated.

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. For example, dehydrated nursing home 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 injuries of the elderly even more severe. Yet, nursing home staff often fail to deliver because of unqualified or ill-trained staff. In other case, dehydration occurs because of negligence or neglect. There is however, no acceptable reason for loved ones not being properly hydrated.

If your loved one has suffered injuries in a nursing home as a result of dehydration, we encourage you to contact our nursing negligence and abuse 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.