For many of us, losing a little weight would be a welcome occasion. For many nursing home residents, losing weight can have a severely negative effect on their health and well-being.
Two residents at the North Church Nursing and Rehab nursing home in Jacksonville, Illinois lost significant amounts of weight while residents of the facility. One resident, a man suffering from severe cognitive impairment, lost over 10% of his body weight in a six month period, from 156 pounds to 137 pounds.
The second resident entered the North Church Nursing and Rehab in June of 2011 with a normal weight of 193 pounds. A year later he weighed only 144.
Obviously, residents losing extreme amounts of weight is alarming and unhealthy. In response, the resident’s physicians ordered extra meals and high calorie drinks to be part of both resident’s diets.
During a recent inspection by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), however, inspectors observed multiple meals where the residents were not given the extra food.
Nursing homes are required to provide a diet that meets every resident’s nutritional need including a sufficient liquid intake.
Malnutrition and dehydration are extremely dangerous conditions for nursing home residents. Residents with these conditions are much more likely to experience bed sores, nursing home falls, and other illnesses. Malnutrition can even result in a suppression of the immune system.
Our Chicago nursing home lawyers know that devastating injuries and bed sores can often be traced back to a long pattern of weight loss or poor fluid intake.
If you have seen a loved one in a Chicago nursing home who has lost a significant amount of weight before experiencing a significant injury, illness, or bed sore, contact my law offices for a free and confidential evaluation of your case.