Peoria Nursing Home Malnutrition Lawyers

Fighting Against Negligent Nursing Homes in Peoria to Prevent Malnutrition

Malnutrition is a serious problem in nursing homes, and it can have devastating effects on elderly residents. This issue is often the result of nursing home neglect. When staff members fail to monitor a patient or assist with preparing or eating meals when necessary, a patient may experience multiple types of serious health issues. In these situations, families may be unsure about how to address the issue, how to determine whether patients were victims of neglect, and how to make sure the proper care will be provided in the future.

At Nursing Home Injury Center, we work to protect the rights and interests of nursing home residents who have suffered harm because of neglect, abuse, or other forms of nursing home negligence. We can help identify the practices or procedures used by staff members at a nursing home and determine whether issues such as understaffing or improper training put patients at risk of suffering harm. We help families take steps to hold negligent nursing homes responsible for injuries suffered by residents while ensuring that the proper practices will be followed to prevent patients from being injured in the future.

Harmful Effects of Malnutrition for Nursing Home Residents

Malnutrition may occur for a variety of reasons, but it most commonly occurs because nursing home staff members do not provide residents with the proper care and supervision. Staff members should monitor patients to ensure they are eating regular meals, drinking enough fluids, and taking prescribed medications. If necessary, meals may need to be prepared that meet the specifications of a medical treatment plan, such as providing a person with a liquid diet that contains all necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Some patients may need assistance with eating, or feeding tubes may be used in cases where a person cannot chew or swallow food.

When nursing home neglect causes malnutrition, elderly residents may experience a variety of negative health effects. These can include:

• Weight loss – The lack of proper nutrition may lead to the loss of healthy tissues throughout the body. This may result in issues such as reduced muscle tone, which can limit a person’s mobility and increase the risk of fall injuries.
• Weakness and fatigue – If a person does not consume enough calories, they will experience lower energy levels, making it more difficult to move about, care for themselves, and complete daily tasks.
• Poor concentration or confusion – Malnutrition may affect a person’s cognitive functions, causing them to become disoriented, affecting their ability to focus on what is happening around them, and potentially leading to memory loss. This may lead to issues such as wandering and elopement or other behaviors that could put a person at risk of suffering injuries.
• Skin problems – Without the proper nutrients to help bodily systems function correctly, a person may develop sores or lesions throughout the body. These wounds may become infected, resulting in additional issues that could affect a person’s overall health.
• Weakened immune system – When their body cannot effectively fight diseases due to a lack of nutrition, a person may experience dangerous or life-threatening infections.

Assistance for Patients Who Have Experienced Malnutrition Due to Nursing Home Neglect

Malnutrition can have serious, life-threatening effects on nursing home residents. To prevent this issue, it is important for families to take steps to protect their loved ones from nursing home neglect. If you believe your family member has suffered harm due to malnutrition or negligence at a nursing home, the team at Nursing Home Injury Center can help you determine your options. We understand the complexities involved in cases involving nursing home negligence, and we are prepared to help you take action to address the harm your loved one suffered due to the negligence of a nursing home or its staff. Contact us today at 309-524-6900 to arrange a free consultation and learn more about how we can help you protect your loved one’s rights and interests and prevent future injuries due to neglect.