The Dangers of Improper Hydration in Elderly Patients
Proper water and oxygen are the two most important things people need to live. As we get older, we start losing some water weight, which means dehydration is more common in older people even if they aren’t active. If you have a loved one at home or in a nursing home, it’s important to monitor their water intake so they don’t become dehydrated and suffer from medical complications as a result. And if you notice neglect in a nursing home, keep a bedsore lawyer in The Bronx, NY on standby.
Why Elderly People Are Higher Risk For Dehydration
An elderly person’s body contains a significantly less amount of water than a younger person’s. This can be particularly dangerous for older people who aren’t as active and might have restricted activity in a nursing home. Without doing a lot of physical activity, your elderly loved one might not get thirsty as much. This could lead to serious problems that escalate quickly.
Dehydration Signs To Look For
It’s the responsibility of the nursing home staff to monitor water intake in patients and ensure they are getting enough fluids. If the staff caring for your loved one doesn’t prioritize hydration, then a NY bedsore attorney in Suffolk County might need to get involved if a medical situation occurs as a result. Some of the signs of dehydration you should look for include:
- Confusion
- Decreased blood pressure
- Weight loss
- Increased pulse
- Dry mouth
- Unusual bowel movements
These are not the only signs of dehydration, but they are the most common ones that usually indicate they need more fluids.
Preventing Dehydration Can Keep Elderly Patients Healthy
It’s not difficult to prevent dehydration and too many nursing home staff members neglect to do it. Ensuring every patient has access to plenty of water is easy even though they can’t force the patients to drink it. Some elderly patients will intentionally neglect drinking enough water because they don’t want to go to the bathroom often. This is where having a good relationship with nursing home staff is crucial so they can feel comfortable enough asking for help.
Sinel & Oleson, PLLC can help if your elderly loved one has been neglected in a nursing home. A good bedsore lawyer can help you identify signs of dehydration and determine whether the staff did enough to help. Getting a bedsore lawyer in The Bronx, NY, is never ideal and you would rather the nursing home staff do their jobs to keep your loved one safe. If that doesn’t happen, though, don’t hesitate to contact us and a trustworthy bedsore lawyer will be on your side.