Dehydration in the Elderly Can Be Easily Prevented says Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyer Steven Peck

Written by Adam Peck Category: Elder Law January 26th, 2013 2 min read

It is universally recognized that dehydration in older people can be easily prevented or treated by ensuring they have enough to drink, unless they have problems such as swallowing difficulties. However, despite this apparently simple and cost-effective preventive measure, dehydration is still a major problem for older people in hospitals and community care, affecting health services throughout the United States says Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney Steven Peck.

Preventable dehydration has long been associated with neglect and is an indication of poor quality care. The key principles of helping a patient to drink have remained unchanged. Understanding why nurses are failing to prevent or detect and manage the early signs of dehydration is crucial; only then can sustainable measures be identified to support patients and staff.

Dehydration can result in a chain of adverse events including:
Low blood pressure; dizziness and increased risk of falls
Urinary infections and incontinence
Skin conditions
Pressure ulcers
Poor oral health
Nausea and reduced appetite
Constipation; kidney stones
Renal failure
Cognitive and physical impairment
Hospital-acquired delirium
Poor management of diabetes
Community-acquired pneumonia
Cardiac disease
Two-fold increase in the mortality of stroke victims.

All leading to unacceptable patient suffering, increased staff workloads and escalating healthcare costs caused by avoidable admissions and prolonged lengths of stay.

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Written by Adam Peck

Expertise: Personal Injury

Adam J. Peck, ESQ is a principal with Peck Law Group, APC. In 2008, Mr. Adam Peck received his Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School where he graduated Cum Laude. His practice is primarily dedicated to representing Elders, Dependent Adults, along with their loved ones and family members, who have suffered horrific personal injuries.