June 26, 2009
Illinois Nursing Home Negligence Lawyers Weigh in on Dehydration and Malnutrition in Nursing Home Residents
Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers have seen an increase of malnutrition and dehydration in and around Chicago. Nursing home abuse attorneys stress the importance of paying attention to signs of malnutrition and/or dehydration and to take action if any risk factor emerges. Elderly people in general are at a greater risk for dehydration. Nursing home residents should be evaluated immediately upon acceptance into nursing homes. Medical issues can increase the risk of dehydration and malnutrition. Some of these conditions include:
- Diabetes
- Malnutrition
- Chronic cognitive impairment
- Inadequate nutrition
- Acute situations such as vomiting, diarrhea or fever
- Alzheimer’s
- Dementia
- Frequent infections
- Incontinence
- Any previous history of dehydration problems
- Use of laxatives, steroids, anti-anxiety medications, psychotropic drugs or diuretics
- Stroke
If you have a loved one with any of these risk factors, watch carefully for any signs of dehydration and make sure he or she has been properly evaluated for the risk of dehydration. Communicate frequently with the Director of Nursing, and your loved one’s physician. Dehydration is a form of Illinois nursing home neglect and is unacceptable. Skilled Illinois nursing home negligence lawyers can assist in seeking justice if a loved one has been the victim of dehydration and has suffered as a result.
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