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In 2012, the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) started Malnutrition Awareness Week to raise awareness about the serious risks of malnourishment. Now, 43 other organizations have joined in this important endeavor to teach healthcare providers, patients, and caregivers about the risks of malnourishment.
The Dangers of Malnourishment in Nursing Homes
Malnourishment is different from hunger. It can create serious health risks, including:
- Increased risk of infection
- Poor wound healing from things such as bedsores
- Increased risk of hospital admissions and readmissions
Older people living in nursing homes may be at even greater risk of suffering these serious health complications. Your loved one should be evaluated for malnourishment if she experiences:
- Unexplained fatigue or irritability
- A persistent feeling of coldness
- Skin changes such as thin, dry, or pale skin
- Breathing problems
- Sunken eyes
These signs may be symptoms of malnutrition or another health condition. A qualified medical professional can help you understand the cause of your loved one’s symptoms.
2018 Malnutrition Awareness Week Is September 24 – 28
This is the perfect time for families and friends of nursing home residents to learn more about the risks and warning signs of malnourishment, and about what to do if your loved one suffers an injury because of malnourishment.
Malnourishment can be a form of nursing home neglect or abuse. We hope that your loved one never has to know the physical discomfort and potential health complications of malnourishment. However, if your loved one does suffer from malnourishment in her Illinois nursing home, then we encourage you to contact our experienced nursing home abuse and neglect lawyers for a free and confidential consultation. We will do everything that we can to help you protect your loved one’s rights and to get her the fair and just legal recovery that she deserves.
For more information about nursing home abuse and neglect—and about what you can do about it—please download our free resource, Guide for Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Victims: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Legal Rights and Get Every Dollar You Deserve.
