When your loved one enters a nursing home, you expect them to receive the care and attention they need to stay safe and healthy. However, if they start losing weight rapidly, it could be more than just a sign of aging. In many cases, extreme weight loss in nursing home residents signals deeper issues such as neglect or even abuse.
According to historical data from the National Library of Medicine, roughly 48% of nursing home residents experienced a weight loss of 5% or more of their body weight within a 30-day period. Additionally, 18% of residents experienced such significant weight loss more than once over seven months.
Nursing homes have a legal obligation to keep track of residents’ weight. They must also adjust their meal plans to ensure they maintain a healthy weight. Significant weight loss can indicate several underlying problems that shouldn’t be ignored.
What causes weight loss in nursing homes?
Weight loss in elderly individuals isn’t always a cause for alarm. As people age, some weight loss is normal. However, when it becomes rapid or consistent, it could point to serious problems. That includes:
Aging and natural weight loss
As we age, our metabolism slows, and muscle mass naturally declines. Some weight loss is expected. However, if the weight loss becomes extreme or happens too quickly, it’s time to dig deeper. Sudden weight loss can have devastating health and safety effects, especially in frail seniors.
Undiagnosed medical conditions
Sometimes, the cause of weight loss isn’t obvious. Undiagnosed medical conditions, such as dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), may make eating painful or uncomfortable. Without proper diagnosis and intervention, residents may avoid food altogether. Nursing home staff is responsible for ensuring residents receive the appropriate medical evaluations and treatments.
Changes to medication
Switching medications or adjusting doses can also wreak havoc on a resident’s appetite. Some medications affect digestion, mood, and overall desire to eat. While this can be temporary, it requires careful monitoring to prevent harmful weight loss. The nursing home staff should adjust meal plans and consult with physicians if a resident’s medications impact their ability to maintain a healthy weight.
Poor diet and inappropriate meals
Quality matters when it comes to food. Nursing homes must provide meals that meet each resident’s health needs. Unfortunately, some facilities cut corners by serving low-quality food, which can be unappetizing and lack proper nutrition.
This can be a big problem for residents with specific dietary requirements. For example, those on textured-modified diets may find the food so unappealing that they lose interest in eating altogether.
Lack of staff assistance
Neglect can take many forms in a nursing home, including failing to assist residents with eating. Some residents need help cutting their food or even need to be fed. Residents might skip meals if the staff doesn’t provide the necessary assistance. This is particularly concerning for those with mobility or cognitive impairments who can’t eat independently.
What are the risks of significant weight loss?
Extreme weight loss isn’t just a matter of appearance. It poses serious health risks, especially for the elderly. Here’s what can happen when residents lose too much weight:
Increased risk of falls
Weight loss leads to muscle wasting, which weakens a person’s ability to walk or stand. This increases the likelihood of falls, which can result in serious injuries such as hip fractures and traumatic brain injuries.
Infections and weakened immunity
A weakened body can’t fight off infections as effectively. When residents lose too much weight, their immune systems suffer, making them more susceptible to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.
Higher chance of pressure ulcers
Losing weight means less padding on the body, which can result in pressure ulcers (also known as bedsores) for bedridden residents. These painful sores can become infected and lead to sepsis and other life-threatening complications.
How can nursing homes prevent weight loss?
Preventing extreme weight loss requires more than just providing food. Nursing homes should implement strict protocols to monitor residents’ health, including:
- Regular assessments: Staff should regularly weigh residents and monitor their overall health.
- Communication: Open communication between staff, physicians, families, and residents is key to catching potential health issues before they spiral out of control.
- Meal round protocols: Nursing homes should establish specific times to observe residents while they eat. This ensures that any problems, such as difficulty chewing or swallowing, are caught early.
What should I do if I suspect nursing home neglect or abuse?
If your loved one in an Illinois nursing home is losing weight rapidly, start by documenting the changes. Keep detailed records of their weight, the meals provided, and any medical issues they’re experiencing.
Next, report your concerns to the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), which regulates nursing homes in the state. You can file a complaint online or by phone. They can conduct on-site inspections, review medical records, and interview staff and residents.
If an investigation reveals issues of neglect or abuse, the IDPH can impose penalties on the facility, such as fines or mandatory changes to their care practices.
Lastly, get legal help from an experienced Chicago nursing home abuse and neglect attorney who understands Illinois laws. An attorney can help you gather evidence, file a claim, and take legal action to hold the nursing home accountable.
Let us help you protect your loved one and pursue justice
Ferrell Young, LLC has successfully handled many cases involving nursing home neglect and abuse. We’ve fought to hold negligent facilities accountable and secured large settlements and verdicts for our clients.
We offer free consultations, during which you can discuss your concerns and ask questions. Our legal team will work with you to investigate the situation and outline your potential legal options. We also operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Don’t wait to seek justice for your loved one. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and get the legal support you need.
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