Dehydration
Perhaps the most disturbing and most common medical problem found among nursing home residents is dehydration. All human beings need water to survive. In a study published by the American Geriatric Society in 1999 that included 40 nursing home patients from two facilities, it was determined that 39 of the 40 (97.5%) nursing home residents were not provided enough fluids to sustain a healthy life. More disturbing 24 of 40 (62.5%) were found to have illnesses related to dehydration. : J Am Geriatr Soc. 1999 Oct;47(10):1187-94.
There is no excuse for anyone not to receive adequate fluids while a patient in a nursing home. Inadequate staffing coupled with a patient population that is unable to speak up for themselves are some of the causes.
Researchers have concluded that some of the reasons are that "when staffing is inadequate and supervision is poor, residents with moderate to severe dysphagia, severe cognitive and functional impairment, aphasia or inability to speak English, and a lack of family or friends to assist them at mealtime are at great risk for dehydration. Adequate fluid intake can be achieved by simple interventions such as offering residents preferred liquids systematically and by having an adequate number of supervised staff help them to drink while properly positioned." : J Am Geriatr Soc. 1999 Oct;47(10):1187-94.Links.
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Visit often. Residents who have frequent visitors are less likely to be ignored by staff.
Ask your loved one what and how much they are eating or drinking.
When you visit check for signs of fever, lethargy or other illness.
Don't be afraid to look under the sheets for the presence of bedsores on your loved one. Bedsores frequently occur in patients who are malnourished or dehydrated.
If you find any signs of dehydration, injury or abuse, immediately bring it to the attention of the facility. Speak to the nurses, ask them what they know. Remember to document everything.
The owners and operators of nursing homes can be held accountable for their actions. The law provides for specific causes of action that you can pursue in order to hold them accountable. Don't allow them to increase their profits at the expense of the suffering of our loved ones. Contact us by filling out and submitting the contact form or by calling us at (866) 372-0570. An attorney experienced in nursing home litigation will return your call withing 24 hours.