Rapid, unexplained weight loss and hair loss in an elderly person could be a sign of neglect from malnutrition, which can seriously impact their lifespan and lead to lengthy hospital stays. Tragically, it may even be fatal in some cases.
Nursing home neglect is a type of elder abuse that happens when nursing staff fails to provide proper levels of care to their residents, resulting in a breach of duty that seriously harms those in their care.
If you have noticed rapid hair or weight loss of a loved one during their stay at a care facility, you may be entitled to fight for compensation on their behalf. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today to learn more.
Nursing Home Neglect and Malnutrition
The Handbook of Famine, Starvation, and Nutrient Deprivation defines malnutrition as “the inadequate intake of nutrients, particularly protein, which contributes to the development of acute and chronic disease conditions.” Current Opinions in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care reports that approximately 20% of nursing home residents have some form of malnutrition. The lack of proper nutrients has debilitating effects on the body, impairing mobility and cognitive processing.
Two of the most obvious signs of malnutrition are loss of appetite and unintentional weight loss.
However, other signs may include:
- Hair loss or dull and dry hair.
- Dry eyes and skin.
- Receding gums.
- Constant tiredness or irritability.
- Complaints of being cold.
- Mental confusion.
- Sensory loss.
- Motor weakness.
Certain medications can also impact the resident’s appetite or cause constipation, which leads to a decrease in appetite if not properly addressed by caretakers.
There are many reasons why malnutrition can happen to a loved one in a nursing home. Staff shortages leading to meals not being distributed frequently, or staff with inadequate training can impact a facility’s quality of care.
Constant evaluation of a patient’s nutritional needs is required to maintain good health. Unfortunately, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office, statistics reflect that nursing homes need intensive oversight to reduce instances of elder abuse and neglect.
If you are worried about a loved one and think they are suffering from malnutrition, contact a Lyons rapid weight loss or hair loss lawyer for guidance.
The Devastating Effects of Malnutrition in Elderly People
As well as rapid hair and weight loss, malnutrition can lead to a host of other serious health conditions such as depression, weakened immune systems, and subsequent vulnerability due to infection and other illnesses.
Additionally, residents suffering from malnutrition will have weakened bones making them more susceptible to fractures; lack of nutrition can also impact their balance, making them more likely to suffer an injury in a fall. Other serious implications include damage and weakness of the skin, leaving an elderly person more prone to developing pressure ulcers.
It can be devastating to discover that your loved one has suffered harm at the hands of those who should be caring for them, but you do have options. You can put a stop to the neglect and protect your family member. Speak with a Lyons rapid weight loss or hair loss lawyer to learn more about how you can protect their rights through financial recovery.
For a free legal consultation with a Rapid Weight Loss or Hair Loss Lawyer serving Lyons, call (800) 794-0444
How a Lyons Rapid Weight Loss or Hair Loss Lawyer Can Help
Nursing homes are legally responsible if they do not provide proper care for their residents. Yet, proving
neglect due to malnutrition can be an uphill battle. You may want the aid of a lawyer who understands elder abuse cases by your side throughout legal proceedings.
One of the most challenging aspects of proving nursing home negligence is that residents often have pre-existing health conditions and, as a result, are expected to suffer a decline in health. This is where a dedicated lawyer can prove that a loved one’s deterioration would not have occurred but through the negligence of the nursing home.
Other challenging aspects inherent in such cases include:
- Victims who have difficulty speaking, which prevent them from making statements.
- Victims who suffer from diminished mental capacity such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, impeding communication.
- Uncooperative nursing home administrators who may stall the discovery process.
- Nursing staff failing to properly document the resident’s nutritional intake and health care.
The team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm understands what needs to be done to prove your case. We can support your claim by providing medical experts who can testify to the signs of malnutrition.
Other evidence we can use to support your claim include:
- Visual examinations by a doctor to identify signs of malnutrition.
- Blood tests to check for low levels of key vitamins and minerals.
- Urine samples to measure nutritional deficiencies.
You may be able to recover compensation to help your loved one rehabilitate and to cover any ongoing medical costs. Other awards may be available for pain and suffering and emotional trauma. For a free case review, call.
Lyons Rapid Weight Loss or Hair Loss Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Works for You
The legal team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm advocates on behalf of nursing home residents who are experiencing abuse or neglect. As one of society’s most vulnerable populations, seniors deserve the upmost care when placed into the hands of any care facility.
When nursing homes breach their obligations by not upholding the standard of care, they could be held accountable for their residents’ quality of life.
By pursuing legal action, you may be able to recover the following:
- Medical bills.
- The cost of relocating to a different care facility.
- Pain and suffering and inconvenience.
- Emotional trauma.
- Funeral and burial costs (if applicable).
Our legal team offers a free case review to anyone interested in learning more about how we can help with their elder abuse case. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
