A common form of neglect that occurs all too often in nursing homes is dehydration. Dehydration occurs when the body is deprived of water to the extent that it causes a disruption in its ability to function.

Nursing Home Facility Dehydration

A nursing home resident may become dehydrated when they pass urine, but do not drink enough water to replenish their body. Throughout the day, a person loses water through normal living activities, such as breathing, sweating, and using the bathroom. If the fluids lost are not replaced, then the body will suffer by not having enough water stored to perform necessary bodily activities. Even if a nursing home resident says they are not thirsty, it is important that the staff at these facilities make sure that the residents are getting proper nutrition, including adequate amounts of water.

Causes of Dehydration in Elderly Nursing Home Residents

One of the main causes of dehydration in nursing home residents is inadequate supervision by the staff. This can also be a result of insufficient staffing practices, as many nursing homes try to save money by reducing the number of employees they have. With a limited number of staff, the health of the residents is negatively impacted as they may not receive the proper care when the staff is stretched thin trying to accommodate all of the residents’ needs.

Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration in Nursing Homes

There are some signs and symptoms you should look for if you have concerns that your elderly loved one is dehydrated and is not receiving proper care. These signs include a dry mouth, dry and papery skin, and a decrease in urine output. Other indicators of a more serious dehydration problem include confusion, the inability to sweat, sunken eyes and cheeks, and low blood pressure.

If you have an elderly loved one in a nursing home and you believe they are not being taken care of properly, contact the nursing home attorneys at The Peck Law Group today. We can help you fight for compensation for all forms of nursing home abuse and neglect, including dehydration and its impact on your loved one’s health.

About the Author

Attorney Steven Peck has been practicing law since 1981. A former successful business owner, Mr. Peck initially focused his legal career on business law. Within the first three years, after some colleagues and friend’s parents endured nursing home neglect and elder abuse, he continued his education to begin practicing elder law and nursing home abuse law.