Perhaps the most disturbing and most common medical problem found among nursing home residents is dehydration. All human being need water to survive. In a study published by the American Geriatric Society in 1999 that included 40 nursing home patients from two facilities, it was determined that 39 of the 40 (97.5%) nursing home residents were not provided enough fluids to sustain a healthy life. More disturbing 24 of 40 (62.5%) were found to have illnesses related to dehydration. : J Am Geriatr Soc. 1999 Oct;47(10):1187-94.Links.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
- Visit often. Residents who have frequent visitors are less likely to be ignored by staff.
- Ask your loved one what and how much they are eating or drinking.
- When you visit check for signs of fever, lethargy or other illness.
- Don't be afraid to look under the sheets for the presence of bedsores on your loved one. Bedsores frequently occur in patients who are malnourished or dehydrated.
If you find any signs of dehydration, injury or abuse, immediately bring it to the attention of the facility. Speak to the nurses, ask them what they know. Remember to document everything.
The owners and operators of nursing homes can be held accountable for their actions. The law provides for specific causes of action that you can pursue in order to hold them accountable. Don't allow them to increase their profits at the expense of the suffering of our loved ones. Contact us by filling out and submitting the contact form or by calling us at 1-888-627-7499. An attorney experienced in nursing home litigation will return your call withing 24 hours.