Effects of Dehydration on Nursing Home Residents
July 10, 2022
The health consequences of dehydration can be quite severe, ranging from coma to organ failure to death. Nursing home staff can help patients avoid most of these consequences, and dehydration itself, through proper staffing, individualized care and ongoing monitoring. Unfortunately, many nursing homes fail at providing this level of care, either due to budgetary constraints or base neglect.
Call An Illinois Nursing Home Abuse & Personal Injury Lawyer Today
We have been advocating for the injured since 1984. Let us fight to hold wrongdoers accountable and recover the financial damages your family needs.
CALL US NOW Common Complications of Dehydration
Elderly individuals suffering from dehydration are susceptible to numerous health complications:
- Altered mental status: Electrolyte deficiencies and low fluid levels greatly affect an elderly individual’s mental status and can result in lethargy or even a coma.
- Seizures: Dehydration puts a great strain on the central nervous system and muscles, which can lead to seizures.
- Susceptibility to infections: Low fluid levels cause the immune system to function poorly, resulting in a greater likelihood of contracting illnesses and infections.
- Skin breakdown: Bed sores plague dehydrated nursing home residents due to the body’s inability to heal and fight off infection.
- Organ failure: Dehydration causes a drop in blood pressure, decreasing blood flow to the kidneys, lungs, heart and other organs. This can lead to kidney failure, respiratory failure and heart attacks.
With fast and proper action from nursing staff, many harmful effects of dehydration are reversible. Your loved one should not reach this point. Care providers need to focus on prevention and respond at the first signs of dehydration. When facilities fail in this duty, families often seek senior care abuse legal guidance in Evanston to address neglect or abuse.
Dehydration Can Lead to Death
Elderly individuals suffering from extreme dehydration have higher morbidity and mortality rates than their peers. If left untreated, such water deprivation will lead to congestive heart failure and wrongful death. For this reason, it is important to recognize the warning signs of dehydration and expect a high standard of care from nursing home staff. If you notice that your loved one is not receiving the care they need and deserve, take action right away. Reaching out to an experienced Illinois nursing home abuse law firm can help you protect your loved one and hold the facility accountable.
CALL US NOW