Kansas City Nursing Home Malnutrition Attorneys

Malnutrition Resulting from Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect 

Nursing homes and other long-term care facilities have a responsibility to provide for residents’ basic needs. This includes ensuring that residents receive adequate nutrition to remain in optimal health. When nursing homes are negligent, residents can suffer from malnutrition and/or dehydration—and the consequences can be severe. 

If you or your loved one suffered a serious injury or illness due to malnutrition while living in a nursing home, long-term care facility, or similar setting, you could be entitled to compensation. The Law Office of Tom Wagstaff Jr. can help you file a nursing home abuse claim and fight for the justice you deserve. We have more than 25 years of experience and dedicate a large portion of our practice to this area of law; our Kansas City nursing home malnutrition attorneys are equipped with the resources, skills, and in-depth legal knowledge needed to effectively pursue a favorable outcome on your behalf.

Let our team help you and your family. Call (816) 597-4556 or reach us online using our secure contact form. Your initial consultation is free. 

What Is Malnutrition? 

Malnutrition is a lack of adequate nutrition. It is the result of not having sufficient food, not consuming sufficient nutrients, and/or being unable to use the nutrients one consumes. Essentially, malnutrition is a severe imbalance in energy and nutrients within the body. 

Malnutrition is dangerous for people of all ages, but especially the elderly. This is because seniors are more likely to suffer from weakened immune systems and a variety of health conditions that can be significantly worsened by poor nutrition. This can lead to serious complications, illnesses, infections, and even death. 

Sadly, malnutrition is a common problem in nursing homes across the country. According to the National Center of Biotechnology Information (NCBI), approximately 20% of all nursing home residents in the United States suffer some degree of malnutrition. However, malnutrition is likely underreported. In any case, malnutrition is associated with higher mortality rates, whereas higher body mass indexes (BMIs) are associated with a reduced risk of mortality in nursing homes. 

Signs of Malnutrition in the Elderly 

When properly treated, malnutrition and its effects can be reversed in most individuals. Because of this, it is important that you know the signs of malnutrition so that you can seek help for your elderly loved one right away. 

Some of the most common signs of malnutrition in the elderly include: 

• Unplanned weight loss 
• Loss of appetite 
• Weakness 
• Tiredness and fatigue 
• Swelling 
• Changes in mood, including increased irritability, depression, or anger
• Difficulty concentrating 
• Feeling cold/being unable to get warm 
• Hair thinning or hair loss
• Papery, thin, or cold skin 
• Changes in sleep patterns, including excessive sleep

Malnutrition can also make it harder for a person to recover from illnesses, such as colds and cases of flu, as well as more serious conditions, such as pneumonia, clostridium difficile (C. diff), and other infections. 

Who Is Responsible for Malnutrition in Nursing Homes? 

In nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, malnutrition can occur for a wide variety of reasons. Some elderly individuals have health conditions that make it harder for them to adequately utilize the nutrients they consume. Others may experience reduced appetites due to illness, health concerns, or as a result of aging, which can lead to poor nutrition. 

However, in many cases, nursing home residents are simply not provided with adequate food or they are not given enough of the right types of food. This can lead to malnutrition and overall poor health.

When nursing homes and similar facilities fail to provide for residents’ basic needs, including the right to proper nutrition, they can be held legally responsible. The same is true of individual caregivers who neglect elderly individuals’ nutritional needs, leading to malnutrition and related health complications.