When you make the difficult decision to place a loved one in a nursing home or other type of assisted living facility, you expect that your family member will be well taken care of. You trust that the people in charge of your loved one’s care will look after them as if they were family. This is often not the case.
Houston is home to many nursing homes, and unfortunately, many of these facilities are guilty of neglecting their patients.
One form of neglect that is all too common is malnutrition. This can often be the result of a lack of food, but it can also be caused by feeding patients the wrong types of food or not providing enough hydration.
Has a loved one been injured due to malnutrition in a Houston, TX nursing home? Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers is here to fight for you.
Our lawyers have over 45 years of combined experience. We are here to help you protect your loved ones and seek reasonable compensation. Call us today at (713) 500-5000 for a free consultation with a Houston malnutrition lawyer who can help. Contact our law office today.
How Attorney Brian White Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers Can Help After Suffering Malnutrition in a Nursing Home in Houston, Texas
If you have a loved one who has suffered malnutrition in Houston, Texas, it is important to know that there are laws in place that protect your rights and hold the nursing home facility accountable for its actions.
Our Houston nursing home abuse lawyers can help. We can assist with the following:
Holding The Houston Nursing Home Facility Accountable For Their Mistakes
Our Houston nursing home abuse attorneys can help you hold the facility accountable for its mistakes. We will make sure that they have to answer for your loved one’s suffering in a court of law. This is extremely important when it comes to protecting other residents and making sure that more are not harmed.
Obtaining Financial Compensation For Your Loved One’s Suffering
Malnutrition can have long-lasting and devastating effects on a person’s health, both physically and mentally. Many times, victims of malnutrition require extensive medical care that can be costly. Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers will work to get you the financial compensation you deserve so that your loved one can get the best possible care.
If you would like to speak with a Houston nursing home abuse lawyer, please call us today at (713) 500-5000 for a free consultation. We are here to help.
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How Common is Malnutrition in Nursing Homes?
Houston is the fourth most populous city in the U.S., with a population of over two million people and one of the largest cities per square mile. Senior citizens represent over 13% of the population. Texas has an estimated 94,000 senior citizens living in nursing homes. Many of these seniors are vulnerable to neglect or abuse.
According to a recent study, up to 20% of nursing home residents suffer from malnutrition. Many of these patients lose weight due to improper care and are at risk for serious health consequences as a result of malnutrition.
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What is Malnutrition?
Malnutrition is a serious condition that involves insufficient intake of calories, protein, or both. It can also be caused by an inability to absorb nutrients properly. Some signs of malnutrition include:
- Unintentional weight loss
- Anemia (a decrease in the number of red blood cells)
- Low albumin levels (low levels of this protein found in the blood)
- Edema (swelling in the feet, ankles, or legs)
- Bone fractures
- Wrongful Death
Malnutrition is a common problem in nursing homes. The most common causes of malnutrition in nursing homes include:
- Not eating enough food
- Inability to swallow
- Prescription medications
- Some chronic diseases, such as cancer, Crohn’s disease, and HIV/AIDS
- Dementia
Nursing home staff should be aware of the signs and symptoms of malnutrition and should take steps to correct the problem. Some actions that nursing home staff can take to help residents who are malnourished include:
- Encouraging residents to eat small meals throughout the day.
- Offering a variety of foods, including both soft and solid foods.
- Ensuring residents are getting enough fluids, including water and nutritional supplements.
- Ensuring residents’ dentures fit properly so they can chew their food well.
If the resident has a chronic disease that is causing malnutrition, the nursing home should work with his or her doctor to develop a treatment plan for managing it.
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How Can You Spot Signs of Malnutrition in Houston Nursing Homes?
Malnutrition can manifest itself differently from person to person. One of the most important things to look for is weight loss. If your loved one has been losing weight rapidly, this could be a sign of malnutrition.
Other signs of malnutrition include:
- Dehydration, which can cause dizziness and confusion
- Weakness or fatigue. Malnutrition can rob your loved one of energy and may lead to slips or falls.
- Changes in mood. They may seem depressed, anxious, or disinterested in activities they once enjoyed.
- Changes in skin tone and texture. Dry, pale skin may be a sign of malnutrition.
Unfortunately, the presence of malnourished residents can be a sign of nursing home negligence. If you suspect that a family member is suffering from malnutrition, physical abuse, or emotional abuse, it is wise to seek legal advice and contact the Texas Department of Health and Human Services.
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Who is Responsible for Injuries Caused by Malnutrition in Nursing Homes?
It can be difficult to determine who is responsible for injuries caused by malnutrition in nursing homes. The nursing home staff, visiting doctors and nurses, and administrators may be to blame.
The nursing home staff is responsible for ensuring that residents receive adequate nutrition. They should monitor residents’ weight and food intake and intervene when they see signs of malnutrition.
The nursing home may be liable for a resident’s malnutrition if:
- Nursing home staff did not monitor the resident’s food intake or weight.
- Staff failed to intervene when they saw signs of malnutrition.
Administrators are also responsible for ensuring that residents receive adequate nutrition. If the nursing home is understaffed or the food is not of good quality, the administrators may be to blame.
Visiting doctors and nurses are also responsible for ensuring that residents receive adequate nutrition, especially since many elderly adults in nursing homes have multiple health problems. They should monitor residents’ weight and other vital signs, and report any concerns to the nursing home staff.
If a doctor or nurse fails to recognize the symptoms of malnutrition, they may be liable for malnourishment injuries. Failure to provide proper care to nursing home residents that leads to malnutrition can be a form of medical malpractice.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Houston, Texas Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Lawyers
If your loved one has suffered from malnutrition in a nursing home, you should speak to a lawyer to find out what your legal options are. Call a Houston malnutrition lawyer at Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. We may be able to help you obtain compensation for your loved one’s injuries.
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