Experienced Chicago Nursing Home Dehydration Lawyers
Because of the medical, hydration and nutritional needs of the elderly, it is absolutely critical to ensure that care staff monitor and follow the dietary needs of nursing home residents. The nursing home staff are required to monitor and record the percentage of a meal intake and liquids consumed by a resident. A written care plan must be created and implemented to address a resident’s individual nutrition, medication, hydration, and medical requirements and needs.
Unfortunately, these records and care plans are all too often incomplete or missing. Dehydration and malnutrition are always a danger when nursing home staff fail to follow care plans, which can cause skin breakdown and pressure ulcers. Dehydration and malnutrition can also cause a greater tendency for a resident to fall.
If a loved one has been injured in a nursing home due to what has been improper care, we encourage you to contact our lawyers.
Recognizing Dehydration In An Illinois Nursing Home Resident
Family members often notice changes before anyone else does. Dehydration may not always look obvious at first, especially when a resident already has other health conditions. However, certain warning signs may point to a problem with fluid intake or monitoring.
Common signs of dehydration may include:
- Dry mouth, cracked lips or increased thirst
- Dark urine or fewer bathroom trips
- Confusion, dizziness or unusual fatigue
- Headaches or complaints of weakness
- Sunken eyes or dry skin
- Rapid heartbeat or low blood pressure
- Constipation
- Sudden decline in alertness or mobility
- Increased falls or near-falls
- Worsening bedsores or skin breakdown
Families should also pay attention to untouched drinks, meal trays that remain full, missing intake records or staff members who cannot clearly explain how much a resident has been drinking. These details may suggest that the nursing home has not followed the resident’s hydration plan.
Holding Nursing Homes Accountable For Poor Hydration Care
Kent M. Lucaccioni, Ltd., has extensive experience handling nursing home malpractice cases, including claims involving dehydration, malnutrition, pressure ulcers, falls and other forms of neglect. Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for clients through settlements and judgments.
We prepare every case for trial. When needed, we work with highly qualified and respected experts who can review medical records, care plans, intake charts and facility practices. Their insight can help show whether the nursing home failed to meet the resident’s needs.
While we cannot undo the harm your loved one suffered, we can help your family seek accountability and push for answers.
What Families In Chicago Can Do If They Suspect Inadequate Hydration
If you believe your loved one is not getting enough fluids, take action as soon as possible. Dehydration can become dangerous quickly, especially for older adults with medical conditions or limited mobility.
You can start by:
- Asking staff how much your loved one drinks each day
- Requesting a copy of the resident’s care plan
- Reviewing food and fluid intake records
- Taking photos of visible signs, such as dry lips, weight loss or skin breakdown
- Writing down dates, staff names and specific concerns
- Asking the treating doctor to evaluate hydration levels
- Reporting urgent concerns to the facility administrator or director of nursing
- Seeking emergency medical care if your loved one appears weak, confused or severely ill
You may also have legal options when dehydration results from neglect. A nursing home abuse lawyer can review the facility records, medical records and care plan to determine whether the facility failed to provide proper supervision, staffing, monitoring or care.
Speak With A Chicago Nursing Home Dehydration Attorney Today
If you suspect your loved one suffered dehydration, malnutrition or another injury because of nursing home neglect, Kent M. Lucaccioni can help you review the situation and understand your options. To discuss an Illinois nursing home neglect matter in a free initial consultation, call 877-930-2551 or email us.
