The Facts Show Malnutrition Is Form of a Nursing Home Abuse

The Common Wealth Fund reports that at least one third all nursing home residents are suffering from malnutrition. There is estimated to be 1.6 million nursing home residents in the United States that are currently suffering from malnutrition, dehydration, and other medical problems that result from nursing home neglect. The Commonwealth Fund observes some of these other medical problems may include tooth decay, broken bones, anemia, and low blood pressure. Some nursing home residents have even died because of poor nursing care.

The report quoted Sarah Greene Burger, executive director of the National Citizens' Coalition for Nursing Home Reform, said, “Much of this problem could be alleviated by increasing the number of overall staff and trained professional nurses at nursing homes.” Indeed, the more staff members that are capable of tending to nursing home residents, the fewer cases of nursing home neglect there would be. Unfortunately, short staffing is a continuing problem in today’s penny-pinching world of business.

NursingHomes.com relates some of the problems that malnutrition in senior citizens can cause:

· Sickness
· Adverse side effects of medications
· Dangerous or unhealthy food and drug interactions
· Depression
· Swallowing disorders
· Mouth problems and dental decay
· Tremors

Remember that proper nutrition is not a luxury—it is a basic human right. A person age doesn’t discount their legal rights to shelter and a comfortable lifestyle. Just because a senior or his family doesn’t have the money to pay for superior health care doesn’t mean that he is a second-rate citizen “lucky” to have any nutritious foods in nursing homes.

Proper nutrition is an important part of health. Without proper nutrition, the nursing home resident will suffer in other ways. Unfortunately, nutritional deficiencies are the norm in nursing homes all across the country. Many patients are known to complain about the low quality of nursing home food. Taste is just one factor that deserves attention. However, some crooked homes out there actually serve meals that have no nutritional value. They may even be unhealthy for seniors. Nutritious food in nursing homes is a necessity.

Remember above all else nursing homes should be striving to exceed the minimum standard of quality care, not just barely stay in business. Find Articles in cooperation with the Society for the Advancement of Education and the Gale Group reported on a study by the Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing in Baltimore that revealed positive results from the home incorporating a buffet-style dining program in order to “enhance food consumption and nutritional status.” Forty residents were recruited to take part in the great buffet experiment. The results were promising: not only did participants consume 25 percent more energy and protein, but they also seemed genuine happy and “looked forward to their meals.”

If only every nursing home were willing to go the extra mile. Unfortunately, many nursing homes in this day and age fall short of the standard and actually show nursing home neglect. If you think your aging relative is suffering from malnutrition or isn’t getting enough nutritious foods in her nursing home, then your relative could be the victim of neglect or abuse. Contact the Rasansky Law Firm and discuss the details of your case. Call 1-877-405-4313 for a free consultation. Your aging relative deserves respect and understanding in the golden years of his life. Don’t be afraid to take action to see that he get the care he needs.