Dehydration among Elderly
Residents of Arizona are faced with rising temperatures throughout the year. The elderly are the most likely individuals to suffer from dehydration, but when put in a nursing home, that risk can increase even more as nursing home abuse and neglect is a growing problem. Water deprivation often occurs, and since the elderly lead statistics for fatalities due to dehydration (65 and up), a caretaker's neglect of giving or reminding a resident to drink water, especially in the summer months can lead to a fatality. In 2004 there was an estimated 1.5 million elderly residents in nursing homes, that number was expected to increase by 2009. 75 percent of elderly residents in nursing homes require some sort of assistance. With the more residents residing in homes, the chances for neglect increase and something as common as drinking water in the Arizona heat can be forgotten.
The expectations from nursing home employees (i.e. doctors, nurses, medical assistants) should be to care for the resident as if you were the one caring for your loved one. The nursing home is liable and responsible for their lack of action for residents; especially since dehydration can lead to death. If there is neglect due to dehydration in a nursing home in Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa or Scottsdale area, you should contact an experienced Arizona Nursing Home Advocate Attorney.
What is Dehydration?
Dehydration is not as simple as water deprivation; it is a complex and serious condition that can hurt an elderly person. The body is made up of over 70 percent water, and lack of water intake breaks the cycle of replacing water through daily activities. When the body does not get enough water, then the body is unable to adequately replenish the nutrients and water loss suffered throughout the day. Water loss occurs when we sweat, vomit, urinate or remove waste from the body- even the act of breathing contributes to water loss. Therefore, water intake is important and monitoring the consumption of an elderly resident daily is key to prevention.
Symptoms of Dehydration
- Fatigue
- Cotton mouth
- Cramping
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Dry eyes
- Loss of consciousness
- Dry skin
When the heart tries to make up for the lack of water in the body, the heart pumps at a higher rate. This could be fatal because older people naturally have a weaker heart. Dehydration in the elderly is dangerous because not only does dehydration affect the heart but it can also cause more complications and interfere with other pre-existing medical conditions such as tooth decay, anemia, brittle bones, or even lower blood pressure. A study conducted by The Common Wealth, a private organization, estimated 17,000 nursing homes have patients who suffer from dehydration due to neglect and abuse of nursing home providers.
Contact an Arizona Nursing Home Advocate Attorney
Water deprivation is abuse and neglect of the elderly. The care they receive should be adequate care and your loved one should not fall victim to abuse. Elderly Residents and their loved ones have rights and an Arizona Attorney can help collect damages for their emotional and physical suffering. For more information see www.nursinghomeadvocates.com.
