The elderly are amongst the most vulnerable people in our society. As such, they should be treated with dignity and in recognition of their contributions to the world. Yet, all too often our older loved ones are subjected to mistreatment, whether in the form of abuse, neglect, or both. This is especially true in the nursing home context.
There are a lot of ways that nursing home neglect and abuse can occur. Previously on the blog we discussed how bedsores can be indicative of neglect, but malnutrition is another all too common form of nursing home neglect. By knowing how to spot the signs and symptoms of malnutrition, though, you might be able to take the legal action needed to protect your loved one and his or her family.
So what are the signs of malnutrition? There are many, but you might need a keen eye to catch them. For example, neglecting an individual’s physical needs may contribute to malnutrition, such as when an individual has dental issues or abdominal pain, but regardless of the cause, the symptoms are relatively consistent, including:
- Weight loss
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Depression
- Increased rate of injury
- Longer healing times
So, if you spot any of these signs, then you should start asking questions. You also might want to consider discussing legal action with your loved one. Succeeding on a nursing home neglect case can lead not only to the recovery of compensation but also the imposition of accountability. This could help protect others from succumbing to similar harm.
Pursuing one of these cases can be challenging, though. It often requires a full understanding of the law and a willingness to be diligent and aggressive. Those who find themselves angry and scared over the nursing home neglect or abuse that has befallen them or a loved one should consider reaching out to a legal professional they trust.
