Older adults living in nursing homes or reliant on caregivers as they age in place are typically incapable of grocery shopping for themselves, planning well-rounded menus and cooking their own meals. They rely on caregivers to prepare their meals and ensure that they receive adequate nutrition.
Unfortunately, malnutrition is a common issue in the world of long-term elder care. Older adults may not receive the food that they require due to negligence, abuse or cost control measures that enforce strict portioning rules. If older adults do not receive adequate nutrition, their caregivers may have committed elder abuse.
Malnutrition is a serious issue
Older adults are generally already medically vulnerable when compared to younger people in the prime of their lives. Imbalanced diets and insufficient caloric intake can exacerbate pre-existing medical conditions.
In some cases, caregivers and nursing home facilities may prioritize cost-cutting measures, leading to restrictive portions. Older adults may not receive a well-balanced diet that includes fresh vegetables, fruits and lean proteins. They may not ingest enough calories to maintain a healthy weight.
Other times, abusive professionals might intentionally withhold food as a punishment or means of control. Occasionally, workers overlook individuals who skip meals and allow their neglect to lead to malnutrition. In cases where older adults begin demonstrating signs of malnutrition and diseases related to insufficient nutrition, concerned family members may have grounds for litigation.
A successful nursing home abuse lawsuit brought on the basis of malnutrition could compensate families for the increased care costs generated by their loved ones’ treatment. Documenting medical issues and questionable caregiver practices can help families demand accountability when abuse affects their loved ones.
