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Dehydration Can be a Form of Elder Neglect

Dehydration and Nursing Home Abuse

There are many different types of nursing home abuse that can cause harm to elderly people. Dehydration is one example of such nursing home abuse. Dehydration is caused by both inadequate intake of food and inadequate intake of liquids. Excessive exposure to heat, diarrhea and vomiting can also cause or exacerbate dehydration.

According to the Mayo Clinic, elderly people and young children are the most susceptible to dehydration. Older adults may become more likely to be dehydrated as their bodies are no longer able to conserve as much water and their thirst sensors become less acute. The Mayo Clinic also report that people living in nursing homes in general tend to eat less and drink less, as they often forget to eat or have to wait for mealtimes. Neglect and disability may also contribute to the increased risk of dehydration.

The Mayo Clinic goes on to explain the risks posed to elderly people as a result of dehydration are severe. Complications of dehydration include heat exhaustion, cramps, heat strokes, a cerebral edema (brain swelling), seizures, kidney failure, hypovolemic shock (a drop in blood pressure), and even a coma or death.

A study conducted by the Department of Physiological Nursing at the University of San Francisco Medical Center discovered that overstaffing and a lack of professional supervision were the chief factors that led to dehydration in nursing homes. Other common causes of dehydration included a lack of assistance at mealtimes.

The study was conducted based on two nursing homes and followed 40 nursing home residents. The results demonstrated that 39 out of the 40 residents followed drank less then 1500 mL per day and that most of the residents drank nothing for extended periods of time in between meals. Of the residents who suffered from inadequate hydration, 25 suffered from illnesses that were possibly related to the dehydration.

Nursing home abuse is a serious issue that has severe consequences for elderly people in a nursing home. While there are laws to prevent nursing home abuse, and legal help to protect those who are victims of such abuse, nursing home abuse unfortunately still occurs at an alarming rate. In fact, the National Center on Elder Abuse reports that as many as 1 to 2 million Americans over the age of 65 have suffered from nursing home abuse, and that only one out of every 14 cases of abuse are brought to the attention of authorities.

Due to these risks, it is imperative to protect elderly people from nursing home abuse and neglect--even inadvertent neglect that results from understaffing. If someone you know was injured in a nursing home as a result of dehydration, the people responsible for her care may be legally liable for her harmful and neglectful behavior. It is imperative that you contact a lawyer experienced in nursing home neglect cases to determine if the rights of the elderly person in question were violated and to help recover damages if neglect occurred. Complete our online form for a free consultation.

THE RASANSKY LAW FIRM
2525 McKinnon Street
Dallas, Texas 75201
CALL US AT
1-877-405-4313

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