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• Physical Abuse
• Bed Sores
• Falls and Fractures
• Improper Use of Restraints
• Neglect
• Malnutrition and Dehydration
• Mental Emotional Abuse
• Failure to Follow Care Plans
• Elder Financial Abuse

Malnutrition & Dehydration

Providing proper nutrition t is imperative to the emotional and physical well-being of an elder resident.  Poor nutrition will diminish an elder resident’s strength making them more susceptible to falls and immobility.  It can lead to decreased immunity increasing the likelihood of infections, pneumonia, ulcers and other types of bacterial and viral infections.

There are many causes of malnutrition in nursing home residents:

Physical Causes:

  • Sickness/illnesses
  • Adverse reactions to drugs which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, cognitive disturbances and or sleepiness
  • Interactions betweens certain types of foods and drugs which can affect the bodies ability to absorb vitamins and minerals
  • Depression
  • Difficulties swallowing
  • Mouth sores, tooth loss, improperly fitted dentures and mouth pain
  • The patient’s inability to fee themselves

Environmental Causes:

  • Inadequate care from nursing home staff for residents who require help
  • The lack of  nutrition education for nursing home staff
  • Dependence on supplements
  • Restricted diets

Dehydration should be managed through an individualized daily plan to promote adequate hydration based upon identifying the risk factors, which include:

  • • Alzheimer’s, or other dementia
  • • Major psychiatric disorders
  • Depression
  • Stroke
  • Repeated infections
  • Diabetes
  • Malnutrition
  • Urinary incontinence
  • History of dehydration
  • 4 or more chronic conditions
  • Use of diuretics, antidepressants, psychotropics, or anti-anxiety medications, laxatives, or steroids
  • Chronic cognitive impairment
  • Inadequate nutritional status
  • Acute situations: vomiting, diarrhea and/or fevers

A facility may be found guilty of neglect by either causing dehydration while the resident is in their care, or failing to treat the problem of dehydration properly.

If you believe that your loved one has been neglect or abused, or if the neglect or abuse has lead to serious injury or death of a loved one, contact our office immediately at 866-559-0097 to speak with one of our experienced Illinois nursing home abuse attorneys.