Nursing Home Neglect Can Lead to Dangerous Weight Loss
It is an unfortunate truth, but some of the most vulnerable senior citizens are abused in nursing home situations every day. Helpguide.org states that tens of thousands of elderly Americans are abused every year, and many of the incidents occur in nursing homes. One of the most serious signs of neglect in the nursing home is rapid weight loss.
According to HealthCareCenter.com when nursing home neglect or abuse is involved, residents’ weight loss is often due to malnutrition or dehydration. The patient may not be receiving adequate amounts of food or water or may require assistance with feeding, but is not getting it. Abuse can also lead to depression and shame, especially in those who cannot communicate the problem, and as a result the resident may not feel like eating.
Aside from the obvious devastation that the abuse and neglect cause, weight loss in nursing homes is a great concern because it has been linked to higher death rates. A report on ResearchNews.osu.edu, states that a recent study found that nearly two thirds of residents who lost at least 10 percent of their body weight over a period of six months died in the six months following. The patients who died were no older than the surviving patients, and even when those who had suffered from cancer were removed from the findings, the results still showed the weight loss as a significant factor in the deaths. American Family Physician reports that unintentional weight loss in the elderly greatly increases their chances of infection, depression and death. They go on to mention that one of the leading causes of weight loss in nursing homes is depression.
Nursing Home Residents live in extended care facilities because they need a certain level of assistance in their daily activities. It is devastating to think that the people who really need and deserve extra care are being mistreated instead.
There are many signs that can signal a potential nursing home neglect or abuse situation including
The Helpguide site also explains that nursing home abuse can come in many forms including physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, financial exploitation and healthcare fraud. Nursing home neglect is the most common of these situations where weight loss will become an issue, although it can also occur as a result of the stress and depression caused by other forms of abuse.
For many seniors the move to a nursing home can be quite an adjustment and may lead to a certain amount of sadness, though there will likely also be some relief that they are getting the help that they need. In the unfortunate circumstances when proper assistance is not provided, the advice of a qualified nursing home abuse and neglect attorney should be sought. The Rasansky Law Firm regularly handles cases of nursing home neglect and abuse and we will use that experience and knowledge to assess your case.
Just take a moment to fill out our Free Initial Consultation Form or call us at 1-877-405-4313.
According to HealthCareCenter.com when nursing home neglect or abuse is involved, residents’ weight loss is often due to malnutrition or dehydration. The patient may not be receiving adequate amounts of food or water or may require assistance with feeding, but is not getting it. Abuse can also lead to depression and shame, especially in those who cannot communicate the problem, and as a result the resident may not feel like eating.
Aside from the obvious devastation that the abuse and neglect cause, weight loss in nursing homes is a great concern because it has been linked to higher death rates. A report on ResearchNews.osu.edu, states that a recent study found that nearly two thirds of residents who lost at least 10 percent of their body weight over a period of six months died in the six months following. The patients who died were no older than the surviving patients, and even when those who had suffered from cancer were removed from the findings, the results still showed the weight loss as a significant factor in the deaths. American Family Physician reports that unintentional weight loss in the elderly greatly increases their chances of infection, depression and death. They go on to mention that one of the leading causes of weight loss in nursing homes is depression.
Nursing Home Residents live in extended care facilities because they need a certain level of assistance in their daily activities. It is devastating to think that the people who really need and deserve extra care are being mistreated instead.
There are many signs that can signal a potential nursing home neglect or abuse situation including
- personality changes,
- physical injuries,
- unsanitary living conditions, and
- many others.
The Helpguide site also explains that nursing home abuse can come in many forms including physical, emotional, sexual, neglect, financial exploitation and healthcare fraud. Nursing home neglect is the most common of these situations where weight loss will become an issue, although it can also occur as a result of the stress and depression caused by other forms of abuse.
For many seniors the move to a nursing home can be quite an adjustment and may lead to a certain amount of sadness, though there will likely also be some relief that they are getting the help that they need. In the unfortunate circumstances when proper assistance is not provided, the advice of a qualified nursing home abuse and neglect attorney should be sought. The Rasansky Law Firm regularly handles cases of nursing home neglect and abuse and we will use that experience and knowledge to assess your case.
Just take a moment to fill out our Free Initial Consultation Form or call us at 1-877-405-4313.
RASANSKY LAW FIRM
2525 McKinnon Street
Dallas, Texas 75201
CALL US AT 1 800 ATTORNEY
1-877-405-4313