Malnutrition Lawyer Greenville, SC

When an elderly person is not getting the necessary nutrition, or food, in a nursing home, it may warrant the need to consult with a malnutrition lawyer Greenville, SC trusts. The right lawyer, such as one from Poliakoff & Associates, P.A., can review the details of your case to help you understand what you should do next. 

There are at least 1.6 million residents living in nursing homes across the United States. According to reports, nearly one third of these men and women suffer from malnutrition or dehydration. In some facilities, the rate of malnutrition is as high as 85 percent! This suggests that between 30 and 50% of all elderly people in a nursing home are also underweight. When medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and arthritis are also a factor, a malnourished nursing home resident could be at a higher risk for suffering from painful symptoms, worsend medical conditions, or death. 

Malnutrition is unfortunately a serious problem that happens too much in these facilities. The presence of malnutrition is often a sign of neglect, understaffing, poor training, or mismanagement. If you notice an elder who appears to be malnourished, please call a nursing home lawyer Greenville, SC has to offer. 

The Leading Causes of Malnutrition in a Nursing Home

In general, the majority of malnutrition in a nursing home can be linked to the management of the facility, as well as the overall conduct of staff. In most settings, there will be one certified nursing assistant for every 5 to 9 residents (sometimes more). This assistant has many duties including ensuring the residents receive the right nutrition throughout the day. In the evening, the assistant may be responsible for up to 15, or so, residents. According to studies, a nursing assistant tends to do best with just 2-3 residents. 

While understaffing is often a primary cause of malnutrition, poor training or limited experience is also common. Certified nursing assistants have one of the highest turnover rates in the medical industry (at 93%). The reason for this is usually related to poor pay, long work hours, and emotional challenges that come with working around elders. 

Risks of Malnourishment

Some elders will be at a greater risk for malnutrition. As a Greenville, SC malnutrition lawyer might explain, the risks include:

• At least 5% of unintended weight loss in one month or 10% in 6 months
• A body weight of less than 100 pounds
• Frequent bedsores
• Lab results indicative of malnutrition
• Depression
• Limited mobility
• Teeth problems
• Poor eating habits
• Difficulty chewing and swallowing

Elder Malnutrition Symptoms

Malnutrition can manifest physically, and if left untreated, it can evolve into serious or fatal results. If you notice any of these physical symptoms of malnutrition, please talk with a malnutrition lawyer in Greenville, SC right away. 

• A bright red mouth
• Canker sores
• Thrush on the cheeks or tongue
• Flaccid muscles
• Fatigue
• Red or glassy eyes
• Swollen corneas
• Listlessness
• Irritability
• Confusion
• Memory problems
• Dementia
• Yellowish skin
• Dull skin
• Heavily wrinkled skin

Some cases of malnutrition will warrant a case for negligence. Please call our firm today if you recognize any of these symptoms and would like to find out if a malnutrition lawyer in Greenville, SC recommends to pursue a claim.