Malnutrition and Dehydration in Nursing Homes

An attorney can give your loved one a voice when they’ve been silenced

Proper nutrition and hydration are basic necessities for everyone, especially elderly residents in nursing homes. When a facility fails to provide enough food, fluids, or the assistance needed to eat and drink, residents can suffer from malnutrition and dehydration, leading to serious health problems.

No family should have to wonder whether their loved one is getting the most basic care. At Johnson Greer Law Group, we’ve seen the heartbreaking impact neglect can have, and we believe residents deserve dignity, respect, and attentive care. If your loved one has suffered from nursing home abuse or neglect, we can step in to investigate what happened, hold the facility accountable, and fight for justice on your behalf. Our Georgia nursing home malnutrition and dehydration lawyers are here to stand beside your family and make sure your voice is heard.

What is malnutrition?

Malnutrition occurs when a resident does not get enough calories, protein, vitamins, or minerals to maintain health. It can result from insufficient food, difficulty swallowing, or conditions that prevent the body from properly absorbing nutrients. Over time, malnutrition can weaken the immune system, slow wound healing, reduce muscle strength, and increase the risk of infections or other health complications. Proper nutrition is essential not only for maintaining weight and strength but also for overall well-being and the ability to recover from illness or injury.

What is dehydration?

Dehydration happens when a resident does not get enough fluids to maintain normal body function. In nursing homes, dehydration can be caused by a lack of staff assistance, difficulty swallowing, underlying medical conditions that increase fluid loss, or cognitive impairments that prevent residents from requesting water. Dehydration can strain the kidneys, affect blood pressure, and impair organ function. For elderly residents, even mild dehydration can cause serious complications, making attentive care and regular monitoring essential for their health and safety.

Symptoms of malnutrition

Malnutrition in nursing homes doesn’t always happen overnight, it often develops gradually and can be overlooked if families don’t know what to watch for. Recognizing the warning signs is critical to protecting your loved one’s health and holding negligent facilities accountable. Common symptoms of malnutrition include:

Sudden weight loss: Unexplained or rapid weight loss is one of the most noticeable signs of malnutrition. It can indicate that a resident is not eating enough, not absorbing nutrients properly, or experiencing underlying health issues that the facility is failing to address.
Fatigue and weakness: Residents who are malnourished often feel unusually tired or weak. Muscle loss and lack of energy make everyday activities more difficult and increase the risk of falls or injury.
Poor wound healing: Malnutrition slows the body’s ability to repair itself. Residents may develop pressure sores, open wounds, or bruises that heal very slowly, signaling a lack of adequate protein and nutrients in their diet.
Frequent infections: A weakened immune system caused by malnutrition makes residents more susceptible to infections like colds, urinary tract infections, or pneumonia. Repeated infections are often a warning sign that basic nutritional needs are not being met.
Changes in appetite or eating habits: Refusing to eat or drink, difficulty swallowing, or eating very little can all indicate malnutrition or dehydration. These behaviors may also be a result of neglect if staff are not providing the assistance residents need.

Symptoms of dehydration

Dehydration can be just as dangerous as malnutrition, especially for elderly residents whose bodies are more vulnerable to fluid loss. Without proper care, dehydration can quickly lead to serious medical complications. Be on the lookout for these common symptoms of dehydration:

Dry mouth, lips, or skin: One of the earliest signs of dehydration is dry or cracked lips, a parched mouth, and dry or inelastic skin. These signs often indicate that a resident is not receiving enough fluids.
Confusion or mental changes: Dehydration can cause dizziness, confusion, or sudden changes in behavior or mental alertness. In elderly residents, these symptoms are particularly dangerous and can lead to accidents or further health complications.
Decreased urine output: A noticeable drop in urination or very dark, concentrated urine is a key indicator of dehydration. It signals that the body is not getting enough fluids to function properly.
Low blood pressure and rapid heart Rate: Dehydration can affect circulation, causing blood pressure to drop and the heart to work harder. These changes can put residents at risk for fainting, falls, or serious cardiovascular problems.

Health complications of malnutrition

Malnutrition can have serious and wide-ranging effects on nursing home residents. When the body doesn’t get enough calories, protein, or essential nutrients, residents may experience:

Weakened immune system: Making them more vulnerable to infections and illnesses.
Muscle loss and weakness: Reducing mobility and increasing the risk of falls and injuries.
Delayed wound healing: Cuts, bruises, and pressure sores take longer to heal, increasing the chance of infections.
Weight loss and frailty: Severe or rapid weight loss can lead to overall frailty, making daily activities more difficult.
Increased risk of complications from illness: Malnutrition can worsen chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or respiratory issues.

These complications can dramatically impact a resident’s quality of life and may even contribute to life-threatening conditions if left unaddressed.

Health complications of dehydration

Dehydration occurs when a resident does not receive enough fluids, and it can quickly become dangerous, particularly for elderly or medically fragile individuals. Complications of dehydration include:

Kidney problems: Including urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and even kidney failure in severe cases.
Low blood pressure and circulatory issues: Dehydration can reduce blood flow to vital organs, leading to dizziness, fainting, or heart complications.
Cognitive impairment: Confusion, delirium, and worsening dementia symptoms can result from inadequate hydration.
Increased risk of falls and injuries: Weakness and dizziness from dehydration make residents more likely to fall, which can lead to fractures or head injuries.
Organ failure and death: Severe dehydration can cause multiple organ systems to fail if not treated promptly.

Don’t let neglect go unanswered. Take action today.

Malnutrition and dehydration are preventable and should never be overlooked. If your loved one is showing signs of neglect, it may indicate that the facility is failing to provide the care they need. At Johnson Greer Law Group, we fight for families whose loved ones have suffered due to inadequate care, helping secure justice, compensation, and safer conditions for residents. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and take the first step toward protecting your loved one.