It can be a difficult decision to place your elderly relative in a nursing home, but it is often a choice that is in their best interests. Nursing homes can provide assistance in terms of day-to-day living and medical care.
Institutions involved in looking after vulnerable people owe them a duty of care. This means that they should not suffer from abuse or neglect. Sadly, some nursing homes fail to honor this obligation.
Malnutrition in nursing homes is a prevalent issue, with hundreds of thousands of elderly people being made to suffer unnecessarily. Outlined below are some of the more common signs of malnutrition among the elderly, and if you spot them, you should take prompt action.
Drastic weight loss
The first and most obvious sign of malnutrition is a sudden change in weight. If you notice a difference in the physical appearance of your loved one, it could be a sign that something is going wrong. Be sure to ask them what they have eaten and approach nursing home management if you have any concerns.
If your elderly relative does not retain the sustenance they need each day, their already frail state could be heightened significantly. A proactive approach could nip the issue on the bud early, and see the health of your family member restored to where it should be.
A weakened immune system
Over time, if your elderly relative does not get the nutrition they need, their immune system will be compromised. Not only can this expose your family member to illnesses such as the flu, but in extreme scenarios, they may pick up infections that prove to be more debilitating or even fatal.
Elderly people deserve to be treated with dignity and respect and your loved ones are no exception. If you feel that a nursing home facility has failed in its duty of care, take note of your legal options in Georgia.
