Is malnutrition in an Orange County nursing home or assisted-living facility a result of nursing home neglect? The answer to this question is not always straightforward. Malnutrition can be difficult to identify, and in some cases, it can result from health issues that affect the resident. At the same time, malnutrition can be the result of elder abuse or neglect. Accordingly, it is important for anyone with a loved one in a nursing home or assisted living facility in California to understand the causes of malnutrition and common signs of malnutrition linked to elder abuse and neglect. An experienced Orange County nursing home neglect lawyer can provide you with more information, and we can speak with you today about taking action if an elderly loved one has experienced harmful malnutrition in a Southern California facility.
Learning More About Malnutrition
What is malnutrition? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), malnutrition is a term that “refers to deficiencies, excesses, or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy or nutrients.” It can take different forms, including the form known as “undernutrition,” which tends to result in the most harm for elderly Americans. Undernutrition can involve wasting, being underweight, and having important micronutrient deficiencies or insufficiencies. While malnutrition can affect people worldwide of any age, it tends to have the most significant impact among older adults in the US.
According to the Administration for Community Living (ACL), approximately 50 percent of all older adults are either currently malnourished or at risk of experiencing malnutrition in the near future. Malnutrition is “a significant health issue for seniors,” the ACL reports, and it can result in disabling and life-threatening results that can include muscle loss, increased falls, chronic illnesses, general frailty, and a loss of independence.
What Causes Malnutrition Among Elderly Adults?
To gain a better understanding of when malnutrition may be the result of elder abuse or neglect at a nursing home, it is necessary to learn more about the causes of malnutrition. According to the ACL, malnutrition actually can have a range of causes, including but not limited to:
- Disease;
- Decreased physical function;
- Decreased cognitive function;
- Hunger and/or food insecurity;
- Depression; and/or
- Neglect.
How to Spot Malnutrition in a Nursing Home
What are the signs of malnutrition you should look for? The ACL’s Nutrition and Aging Resource Center cites the following:
- Unexplained or unexpected weight loss;
- Loss of appetite;
- Inability to eat or eating smaller amounts than usual;
- Unexplained weakness or tiredness;
- Swelling; and/or
- Fluid retention.
Contact Our Orange County Nursing Home Neglect Attorneys Today
Malnutrition can often be linked to elder abuse and neglect in Orange County nursing homes and assisted living facilities. While it can be difficult to know with certainty what caused an elderly loved one’s malnutrition and resulting health decline, it is critical to treat any signs of malnutrition seriously. And, to be clear, it is better to be safe than sorry. If you have seen any signs of malnutrition affecting an elderly parent or loved one in a Southern California nursing home or other facility, you should seek advice from an experienced Orange County nursing home abuse and neglect attorney as soon as possible. We can assess the case and discuss options with you for holding the facility accountable and getting your loved one the care they need. Contact the Walton Law Firm today for more information.
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