Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when elderly nursing home residents do not have the necessary fluid content in their body to perform normal and crucial bodily functions. Most body systems and organs are drastically affected by water deprivation, and dehydration can be especially harmful in the elderly.

Nursing home employees are supposed to be trained in proper hydration techniques. Unfortunately, those protocols are not followed. Since the elderly in nursing homes are placed there for constant health care needs, they are especially vulnerable to dehydration. If your loved one shows sign of dehydration, seek medical care; then contact a nursing home abuse lawyer. Taking legal action can help ensure they do not repeat this negligent behavior.

Causes of Dehydration

Common dehydration causes in nursing home residents include:

• Increased fluid losses due to illness (e.g., diarrhea, infections, fever)
• Side effects of medications (e.g., diuretics)
• Decreased fluid intake
• Decreased ability of the kidney to concentrate urine
• Decreased thirst sensation

Residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia, incontinent residents, and residents suffering from colds or the flu are at an increased risk for dehydration. Changes in functional and cognitive status (e.g., mobility and dementia) may also increase the likelihood that a nursing home resident will suffer from dehydration.

Symptoms of Dehydration

Mild to moderate dehydration is likely to cause:

• Dry, sticky mouth
• Sleepiness or tiredness — children are likely to be less active than usual
• Thirst
• Decreased urine output — no wet diapers for three hours for infants and eight hours or more without urination for older children and teens
• Few or no tears when crying
• Dry skin
• Headache
• Constipation
• Dizziness or lightheadedness

Severe dehydration, a medical emergency, can cause:

• Extreme thirst
• Extreme fussiness or sleepiness in infants and children; irritability and confusion in adults
• Very dry mouth, skin and mucous membranes
• Lack of sweating
• Little or no urination — any urine that is produced will be dark yellow or amber
• Sunken eyes
• Shriveled and dry skin that lacks elasticity and doesn’t “bounce back” when pinched into a fold
• In infants, sunken fontanels — the soft spots on the top of a baby’s head
• Low blood pressure
• Rapid heartbeat
• Rapid breathing
• No tears when crying
• Fever
• In the most serious cases, delirium or unconsciousness

Unfortunately, thirst isn’t always a reliable gauge of the body’s need for water, especially in children and older adults. A better indicator is the color of your urine: Clear or light-colored urine means you’re well hydrated, whereas a dark yellow or amber color usually signals dehydration.

Complications of Dehydration

Elderly nursing home residents who do not receive adequate fluids are more susceptible to urinary tract infections, pneumonia, decubitus ulcers, and confusion and disorientation. In addition, life-threatening electrolyte imbalances can occur. Dehydration should be managed through an individualized daily plan to promote adequate hydration. Nursing homes have a responsibility to provide adequate hydration to their residents, and to provide the proper training to their employees to recognize the signs and symptoms of dehydration.

If you have entrusted an elderly loved one’s care to a nursing home and suspect negligent care has resulted in dehydration, contact the Clore Law Group today.