Changes in Physical Condition: Weight Loss

Residents in long-term care frequently lose weight, especially during the first month at a facility, but weight-loss usually stabilizes. Persistent weight loss is not normal, however, and can lead to multiple complications. Weight loss accompanied by changes in protein and vitamin intake causes complications throughout the body.

Every nursing home should ensure that a resident maintains acceptable nutritional levels as well as provide sufficient fluids to maintain proper hydration and health. A nursing home should also have available adequate substitutes for the main components of each meal and monitor and record a resident's food intake. Some signs and symptoms of weight loss due to malnutrition include: loss of appetite, dry or thinning hair, dry mouth with fissures, and red or purple, inflamed tongue, smooth in appearance to name a few.

Though residents are usually weighed monthly, residents who have had weight-loss problems should be re-weighed weekly to determine if the resident would benefit from a different diet or larger portions.

If a loved is in a nursing home and you feel that have been abused or neglected, please contact The Rasansky Law Firm immediately to discuss your legal rights and options regarding your loved one in a nursing home.

For more information about Nursing Home Claims, you can also visit www.nursinghomelawyer.com, a Rasansky Law Firm speciality site devoted exclusively to Nursing Home Claims, Nursing Home Abuse, Nursing Home Neglect, and Nursing Home Rights.

Signs that a Loved One In A Nursing Home could be in trouble include Behavioral Problems, Changes In Physical Conditions, Dehydration, and Immobility to name a few.