Tampa Nursing Home Malnutrition Lawyer
As people age, their appetites may decrease due to physical illness, emotional difficulties, or simply a reduced need for nutrients caused by a less active lifestyle. Despite this, it is still very important for senior citizens to eat well. The human body needs adequate nutrients to resist the health complications and illnesses that can accompany advanced age.
If you have a loved one in residential care who is showing signs of malnutrition, you need to take action to protect him or her. The experienced Tampa nursing home malnourishment attorneys at Beltz & Ruth, P.A. can help you review your options and decide the steps to take next. Call our offices at 800-235-8978.
Causes of Malnutrition in Nursing Homes
Malnutrition among nursing home residents can be rooted in many different negligent acts. You may want to contact our Tampa nursing home malnutrition lawyers if you suspect a loved one is suffering from:
- Serving low-quality or insufficient food to patients
- Failure to recognize and treat medical problems
- Inadequate management of residents’ pain
- Failure to handle loss of appetite in patients correctly
- Ignoring psychological problems that may affect appetite
Nursing home staff members are expected to perform their jobs professionally. There is no excuse for egregious errors like those listed above.
Signs of Malnutrition
You need to speak with your area’s Adult Protective Services if your loved one is showing symptoms of malnutrition, which can include:
- Clothes that once fit well now hanging loosely
- Dry or cracked skin and mouth
- A sunken appearance in the eyes
- Persistent illnesses like coughs or colds that do not improve
- Disorientation that cannot be explained by a pre-existing condition
Over time, the symptoms of malnutrition can worsen and create life-threatening complications. If you have any doubts about the care your loved one is receiving, it is best to err on the side of caution.
Contact Us
The Tampa nursing home malnutrition attorneys at Beltz & Ruth, P.A. are proud to protect the rights and dignity of residential patients. Contact us at 800-235-8978.