Signs of Malnourishment in Care Homes and Seeking Justice

Because I specialize in personal injury cases, I’ve unfortunately seen far too many situations where loved ones are neglected in care homes. One issue that comes up often is malnourishment. It’s heartbreaking to think that a facility tasked with caring for vulnerable individuals could allow such neglect, but it happens more frequently than we’d like to believe.

When you place a loved one in a nursing facility, you expect them to receive proper care, which includes the individual receiving adequate nutrition. After you notice signs of malnourishment in your loved one, take steps to correct the problem. If the situation does not improve, talk to me about your legal options. I can approach the facility and as your New Orleans personal injury lawyer.

What to Do When You Have Concerns

If a facility is short on staff, they may not have enough people available to monitor each resident’s food intake or assist those who need help eating. Other times, malnourishment happens because residents are dealing with medical conditions, such as dementia or swallowing difficulties, and the staff fails to adjust their meals accordingly.

Or facilities may cut corners to save money, providing low-quality meals or reducing portions. This kind of neglect is inexcusable and violates the duty of care that the home owes to its residents.

The first step to take if you suspect that your loved one is suffering from malnourishment, is to speak with the staff. Ask about how often they’re eating and whether any medical conditions might be affecting their appetite. Sometimes, an honest conversation with the staff can bring attention to the issue and lead to immediate improvements.

Should you find the staff to be uncooperative, document the situation. Keep a log of your loved one’s weight loss, fatigue, or other signs of malnutrition as well as any conversations you’ve had with staff members. Photographs of your loved one’s physical condition can also be powerful evidence.

Legal Options if Conditions Do Not Improve

Hopefully, talking to the staff or filing complaints will resolve the issue, but if not, consider legal action. As a New Orleans personal injury lawyer, I can help you explore your options if a care home’s negligence is causing your loved one harm.

For example, filing a lawsuit can help you seek compensation and could force the facility to improve its care standards. Legal action may even include punitive damages, especially if the neglect was intentional or the facility has a history of similar issues. This would not only help your family but could also protect others from experiencing the same kind of neglect.

How do you fight for the rights of a loved one who lives in an assisted living facility? No one should suffer from neglect in a New Orleans, Metairie, or Gretna care home. Together, we can hold those responsible accountable for their actions. Reach out for a confidential consultation. As soon as you call Palazzo Law Firm at 504-433-1442, you are another step forward on your path to justice.