There can be many reasons elderly residents do not receive adequate nutrition while under the care of nursing home, assisted living facility, home health agency, or caretaker. Lack of proper nutrition can result from an unbalanced diet. Some elderly residents have dental problems that inhibit the proper consumption of food. Side effects of medications can affect appetite or cause nausea. Meals could be unappetizing or lack variation.

One common cause of malnutrition occurs from under-staffing or a lack of qualified staff able to assist with feeding. Staff shortages are a persistent problem, leading to episodes of elder abuse and neglect. Many elderly residents require assistance with feeding or need specially prepared food per a physician’s order. Facilities that are insufficiently staffed often do not meet these needs and simply deliver unprepared meals to be eaten by residents without supervision or assistance. This leads to thousands of instances each year of residents not being able to consume the food they need for proper nutritional intake.

Another common problem in facilities caring for elderly residents include nursing staff lacking the proper training to recognize symptoms of malnutrition or nursing staff not having the required qualifications to properly care for elderly residents with special nutritional needs.

Malnutrition in all cases is preventable and care providers should be held accountable. The qualified elder abuse attorneys at Moran Law can help you understand elder care problems, find quick solutions, and secure maximum compensation for you or a loved one.