Rapid weight loss or hair loss is almost always a reason for worry, especially when it concerns your loved one in a nursing home. Rapid weight loss can indicate serious illness or neglect in a nursing home.
There can be several reasons for rapid weight and hair loss in nursing home residents, including:
- The facility serves unappetizing meals.
- The food in the nursing home is of low nutritional value.
- The resident is suffering from a serious undetected illness.
- Nursing home staff is not assisting residents with meals.
- The resident is suffering from malnutrition and/or dehydration.
- The resident has a medical condition making it difficult to eat and drink.
Some causes of weight loss may not be directly related to nursing home neglect, such as a chronic underlying illness or the appetite of an older person simply diminishing. A new nursing home resident may be a picky eater or have some trouble adjusting to nursing home life, for example.
However, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) malnutrition in nursing homes is widespread and concerning, with approximately 20% of nursing home residents having some type of malnutrition. The NCBI further states that mortality is a major consequence of malnutrition in nursing homes.
When you notice that your loved one is suffering from rapid weight or hair loss, time is of the essence. If you strongly suspect that your loved one is neglected by the nursing home, you might wish to connect with a Forest Park rapid weight loss or hair loss lawyer who can advise you on your next steps and how you and your loved one might get compensation. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to determine whether you have a case against a nursing home.
Signs of Malnutrition
If you wonder whether your loved one is suffering from rapid weight and hair loss due to malnutrition but you are unsure, some of these other signs may point to malnutrition:
- Confusion and dizziness
- Wounds taking a long time to heal
- Unexplained fatigue
- New depression
- General weakness
- Always feeling cold
- Getting ill often
Acting Quickly Is Important
If your loved one is losing a considerable amount of weight and hair, you can take some actions. First of all, it can help to talk to your loved one and find out if they know why they are losing weight and hair. You could ask them whether they are eating regularly, and whether they like the food in the nursing home. You could also ask your relative whether they feel that they are getting the assistance that they require with eating and drinking.
It may help to ask your loved one’s primary caregivers in the nursing home to see if they have an explanation for the rapid weight and hair loss. Perhaps something has happened that you were unaware of. There may be a gastrointestinal infection among residents in the nursing home, for example.
Next, you might want to speak with your loved one’s primary medical provider to find out if there could be any serious medical reasons for the sudden weight or hair loss. A doctor might suggest some tests to find out about potential undiagnosed infections or any new and undetected illnesses that your loved one may be suffering from. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for a free case evaluation.
Holding the Nursing Home Responsible
Notwithstanding all the actions you can take, the final responsibility always rests with the nursing home. You entrusted them with your loved one’s care. A long-term care facility should monitor your loved one’s health and well-being at all times. This includes monitoring their weight, nutrition, and overall condition. If nursing home staff failed to notice the rapid weight loss and deterioration of your loved one and failed to address it, the nursing home could be held liable for neglect.
The nursing home should have knowledge of the weight loss and be taking active steps to find a reason for the deterioration of your loved one’s health. Weight loss may be a sign that your loved one is suffering from an undetected infection, for instance. Alternatively, your relative may require an adjustment to medication for some of their existing conditions.
If the nursing home failed in their responsibility to check your loved one thoroughly and take active steps to resolve the cause for the weight loss, they could be held liable for any injuries and expenses caused.
If you feel that all the responsibility rested on your shoulders and the nursing home left your loved one to “waste away” due to ignoring rapid and unexplained weight loss, you could speak to a Forest Park rapid weight loss or hair loss lawyer. Our dedicated team can help you to find out how you can hold the nursing home liable.
For a free legal consultation with a Rapid Weight Loss or Hair Loss Lawyer serving Forest Park, call (800) 794-0444
A Nursing Home Lawyer Can Help
Taking on a nursing home on your own is not for the faint-hearted and you may need professional help from a Forest Park rapid weight loss or hair loss lawyer. There are multiple laws on a state and federal level that govern nursing homes and protect the rights of your loved one, such as the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act and the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Act. It is our full-time job to know about the various legal issues surrounding nursing homes and a plaintiff’s rights. We help families file personal injury and wrongful death cases so they can receive compensation that helps their loved one and the entire family, to move on with their lives.
You could receive compensation for medical bills, medical equipment, transportation costs, and physical or mental suffering of your loved one, as well as other awards. Do not let a nursing home get away with neglecting your relative and causing their physical decline.
We will fight for you and can work on all aspects of building your case, whether it relates to obtaining medical records, gathering evidence and witnesses, or negotiating with insurances.
There is no risk for you as we do not charge any attorney’s fees upfront and consultations are absolutely free. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
