September 24-28 is Malnutrition Awareness Week and an important time to educate people on how to identify and prevent malnutrition in nursing homes. Malnutrition has a negative impact on residents, including a greater risk of infections, inhibiting the healing of wounds and resulting in higher rates of readmission, longer stays and increased costs. Malnutrition is also associated with many chronic diseases related to aging. While malnutrition can refer to too much or too little food, underfeeding is usually the problem in nursing homes. Federal law requires that nursing homes provide adequate nutrition to avoid the debilitating effects of malnutrition. The Cincinnati nursing home abuse lawyers at O’Connor, Acciani & Levy are committed to helping nursing home residents live a healthy life with adequate care. If you suspect that your loved one is malnourished, contact us to schedule a free, no obligation legal consultation.
What Causes Malnutrition?
Malnutrition often occurs when a person does not get enough food or the right kinds of food to eat. Many instances of malnutrition can be traced to the conduct of nursing home employees. Often times, nursing homes lack adequate employees to ensure that all residents are fed and actually eat. There may be too few certified nursing assistants assigned to the residents or there may be understaffing problems. Additionally, staff may not be properly trained on providing healthy food for residents. Other causes of malnutrition include:- Problems chewing or swallowing
- Teeth problems
- Poor eating habits
- Limited mobility requiring assistance to eat
- Lack of attention from nursing staff members
- Not knowing a residents’ dietary restrictions
- Reliance on liquid supplements or feeding tubes
- Depression
- Loneliness
- Lack of individualized care
Symptoms Of Malnutrition
Malnutrition may consist of physical and/or cognitive symptoms:Physical Symptoms
Physical symptoms of malnutrition include mouth issues, such as canker sores or a bright, red mouth. A yeast infection can result in white patches on the cheeks and tongue. Residents may also have problems with their eyes, such as worsened vision, swollen corneas or red, glassy eyes. The skin may turn yellow. Nursing home residents may also experience muscular problems and may easily become fatigued.Cognitive Symptoms
Cognitive symptoms of malnutrition include:- Problems thinking clearly
- Memory loss
- Irritable mood
- Confusion
Preventing Malnutrition In Nursing Homes
Nursing homes have a legal responsibility to provide proper care to nursing home residents. Malnutrition can largely be eliminated when nursing home employees are knowledgeable about dietary needs and proper nutrition. Some ways to prevent malnutrition in nursing homes include the following:- Regularly monitoring the weight of residents at least monthly and more often for residents at risk for malnutrition
- Developing an individualized care plan based on a personal assessment of the resident's dietary and other needs
- Providing proper attention to the nutrition and water intake of residents
- Providing adequate time for residents to eat and for employees to provide food and services during mealtimes
- Feeding nursing home residents who require assistance
- Providing assistive devices to residents who need them, such as special utensils for residents with severe arthritis
- Avoiding giving dietary supplements or other foods that may make residents have a decreased meal intake
