Many people do the best they can to take care of their aging loved ones; however, for some California families who place loved ones into the care of nursing homes, elder abuse and neglect are serious issues that arise. If you or a loved one have suffered this type of abuse or neglect, the Los Angeles nursing home abuse lawyer at Arias Sanguinetti Wang & Team, LLP, may be able to help you. An experienced nursing home malnutrition and dehydration lawyer in Los Angeles can evaluate the facts of your case and help you decide whether or not to pursue civil or criminal penalties. For more information contact our Los Angeles personal injury lawyer.
When Do Malnutrition and Dehydration Become Elder Abuse or Neglect?
California law mandates that nursing homes and other elder caregivers must ensure adequate nutrition for patients. Elder abuse is defined under Welfare & Institutions Code § 15610 as physical abuse, neglect, financial abuse, abandonment, isolation, abduction, or other treatment that causes harm, pain, or mental suffering to an elder. A care custodian depriving an elder patient of goods or services that are necessary to avoid physical harm or mental suffering is also considered elder abuse.
Whenever nursing homes are understaffed, malnutrition and dehydration can be the unfortunate consequences of inadequate care. The most severe cases can lead to serious injury or death. California law does provide methods for victims of elder abuse or neglect, as well as their families, to seek restitution under the law. If you believe your loved one has been abused, contact our Los Angeles elder abuse lawyer for help.
What Are the Signs of Dehydration in Older Adults?
The signs of dehydration in elderly patients may be subtle, especially if dementia is a factor. Nevertheless, these signs still should be carefully assessed. Common signs and symptoms of dehydration are:
- Thirst
- Dry mouth
- Decreased responsiveness
- Decreased urination
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Dizziness
In particularly severe cases, dehydration can become a medical emergency. Warning signs of severe dehydration include:
- Extreme thirst
- Extreme irritability and confusion
- Extremely dry mouth, skin, and mucous membranes
- Lack of sweating
- Little or no urination (whatever urine is produced will be dark yellow or amber)
- Sunken eyes
- Low blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
- Unconsciousness, in the most severe cases
Immediate medical attention should be sought in cases of severe dehydration. Contact our Los Angeles nursing home dehydration lawyers for help in seeking justice and fair compensation. Schedule your free consultation to get started.
Los Angeles Nursing Home Malnutrition and Dehydration Lawyer Near Me 310-844-9696
What Are the Symptoms of Malnutrition in Older Adults?
Malnutrition means that an individual fails to receive the appropriate amount of nutrients to function. It typically occurs whenever someone ingests too little food or eats a diet lacking a sufficient variety of nutrients. Although it can be dangerous for anyone, malnutrition is a particular hazard for older adults because it makes them vulnerable to an increased falling risk, slower recovery times, an increased risk of hospitalizations or re-hospitalizations, and even death. If you believe your loved one is experiencing malnutrition, call our Los Angeles nursing home malnutrition lawyer to get the proper help and seek the justice you deserve.
Common signs and symptoms of malnutrition in older adults include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Feeling tired or weak
- Appetite loss
- Swelling or fluid retention
- Eating small amounts at a time
Older adults are typically hospitalized more frequently than younger adults and are more likely to become residents of long-term care facilities. These two factors also put older adults at a higher risk of becoming malnourished. Some estimates indicate that up to 65% of hospitalized older patients could suffer malnourishment. Get started with a lawsuit by scheduling a free consultation with one of our nursing home malnutrition lawyers in Los Angeles, CA.
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Contact a Los Angeles Nursing Home Malnutrition and Dehydration Attorney at Arias Sanguinetti Wang & Team, LLP
At Arias Sanguinetti Wang & Team, LLP, we understand that the health and safety of your eldery loved one is a top priority. You may be able to pursue a legal case if you or a loved one have suffered malnutrition and dehydration while in a nursing home. Our nursing home malnutrition and dehydration attorneys in Los Angeles can evaluate the facts of your case. For a free consultation, contact us online or call us at (310) 844-9696.
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