For loved ones in the care of a nursing home facility, the expectation is that their physical and emotional well-being is the highest priority. Family members trust that the staff will treat their loved ones as members of the nursing home family—with love, kindness, fairness, and respect. Few things inspire worry that they have not met those expectations more quickly than unexplained rapid hair and weight loss.
With the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) reporting that one in 10 Americans experience elder abuse, you must recognize the signs of abuse or neglect and act as your loved one’s advocate. If you believe your loved one’s rapid hair or weight loss resulted from abuse or neglect, a Fort Worth rapid weight loss or hair loss lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm could help you fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Call (800) 842-6336 today to schedule a free consultation with a team member.
Rapid Hair and Weight Loss in Elders
40 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §19.401(c) provides nursing home patients with a robust bill of rights. At their core, they mandate considerate and respectful care “necessary for you to have the highest possible level of health.” The state takes any indications that the facility has not provided this level of care seriously and investigates complaints thoroughly.
Weight Loss in Seniors
The journal American Family Physician (AAFP) defines sudden weight loss in older adults as a loss of five percent of an individual’s body weight over a six- to 12-month period. Sudden weight loss in nursing home residents can signal severe medical conditions, malnourishment, or dehydration.
Two of the most common causes of weight loss in the elderly—malnourishment and dehydration—could result from lack of access to healthy and frequent meals, drinking inadequate amounts of water, or not receiving required assistance who have trouble swallowing.
Even if the weight loss did not directly result from abuse or neglect, nursing homes should promptly address any signs of poor health before they develop into more severe conditions. A Fort Worth rapid weight loss or hair loss lawyer can work with you to investigate and determine whether your loved one was the victim of abuse or neglect. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to learn more.
Hair Loss in Seniors
As individuals age, hair growth rates naturally decrease, hair thins, and hair loss is not uncommon. However, if you notice a sudden, rapid loss of hair in your loved one, underlying issues might be at play. A Fort Worth nursing home abuse lawyer can help you determine if your loved one’s hair loss resulted from underlying conditions that are simply a part of the aging process or signify neglect or abuse.
Some medical explanations for rapid hair loss include:
- Iron deficiency: A condition often caused by other health conditions or poor health.
- Hypothyroidism: A condition that develops when the body decreases its production of thyroid hormones.
- Malnutrition: A condition that results when an individual’s diet lacks proper nutrients, and their hair becomes brittle in response.
Like rapid weight loss, malnourishment, and dehydration—or a failure to recognize a sudden shift in physical well-being and address it promptly—often lead to rapid hair loss. In these cases, your loved one’s nursing home might have failed to act in the best interest of their patient. You could hold the facility legally liable for medical bills, moving costs, and more.
Damages You Could Recover in a Nursing Home Abuse Case
Rapid hair and weight loss in nursing home residents often signify malnutrition, abuse, and neglect. When persistent, these symptoms could shorten your loved one’s lifespan, necessitate lengthy hospital stays, and diminish their quality of life. If you believe your loved one’s symptoms resulted from the staff’s negligence, you could seek compensation for the following damages:
- Pain and suffering: Including emotional trauma, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and more.
- Medical expenses: Including doctor visits, specialist visits, physical rehabilitation, surgeries, and medical equipment.
- Lost income: Including wages lost because of time spent caring for your loved one and dealing with the emotional distress caused by abuse and neglect.
If your loved one displays concerning symptoms, you can request a meeting with nursing home management to discuss your concerns, troubleshoot solutions, determine whether your loved one requires a nutritionist, and review all current precautions and treatments.
For a free legal consultation with a Fort Worth Rapid Weight Loss or Hair Loss Lawyer serving Fort Worth, call (800) 794-0444
What to Do if You Suspect Abuse or Neglect
Remember that your family member depends on their caregivers for help meeting the most basic of daily needs. Therefore, residents often fear retaliation if they speak up. Reassure your loved one that you are on their side and want to work with them to get them out of an abusive situation. If your loved one still seems reserved and you believe this fear has held them back, remind them that Texas has a legal code specifically designed to protect anyone who reports neglect or abuse within a nursing home.
If administrators do not speak with you or their answers don’t fully answer your concerns, a nursing home abuse lawyer could investigate your situation and advise you on how to proceed with a nursing home abuse or neglect claim. Remember that you have two years to pursue a case before the state’s statute of limitations set by Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code §16.003 expires.
Your loved one deserves to have their voice heard. You could call a Fort Worth rapid weight loss or hair loss lawyer today. They will fight to protect your loved one’s rights so justice is served. They will act as your loved one’s voice to protect their dignity and your family’s emotional and financial well-being. Call the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 842-6336 for a risk-free consultation.
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