Providing proper nutrition and hydration is the bare minimum that is expected from a Waterbury nursing home, so when facility caregivers fail in these basic tasks, it raises concerns about the health and safety of the residents. Dehydration and malnutrition are serious concerns for aging adults, as weakened immune systems in already vulnerable individuals can cause life-threatening complications. When nursing homes do not provide access to adequate nutrition and hydration, the patients often experience a decline in their physical health and mental well-being.
If you suspect that your elderly loved one is not receiving the necessary food and water in their Waterbury nursing home, the attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, may be able to help. Our nursing home abuse lawyers have over 100 years of combined experience advocating for clients who have been abused and neglected by their healthcare and long-term care facilities.
Dehydration can occur if the body loses fluid at a faster rate than it takes in fluid, which can make it difficult for the body to perform necessary functions. Older adults are especially susceptible to dehydration because of chronic illnesses, medication side effects, and a decreased thirst sensation.
Malnutrition is when the body is lacking necessary nutrients, minerals, and vitamins that are necessary to maintain optimal health. When nursing home residents have a lack of appetite, difficulty swallowing, and significant dietary restrictions, malnutrition may occur.
Warning signs of these conditions can include:
It is not uncommon for older adults to experience malnutrition and dehydration. While these conditions may be a part of aging, they are also often caused by nursing home neglect or abuse.
Connecticut’s Patients’ Bill of Rights includes protections for nursing home residents that are intended to ensure these vulnerable adults receive appropriate care and are treated with dignity. Some of the rights afforded to residents include:
In addition to these protections, certain individuals are mandated reporters in Connecticut. A mandated reporter is someone who is legally required to report suspected neglect or abuse. If a nursing home resident is being abused or neglected by one caregiver, and another facility staff member suspects this treatment is occurring, they are required to report it within 24 hours.
When nursing homes let their residents down by allowing abuse and neglect to occur, they could be liable for the injuries that their patients suffer. Malnutrition and dehydration can be fatal, and aging adults deserve to be treated with the utmost care and respect during their final years, not be denied such basic rights as food and water.
The attorneys at D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC, have the experience, knowledge, and dedication to help you and your aging loved one navigate the complex Connecticut legal process. When an elderly adult’s nursing home causes them to become malnourished or dehydrated, the facility deserves to be held accountable. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our Waterbury nursing home attorneys.
