Malnutrition As A Form of Neglect or Abuse in Pennsylvania Nursing Homes

Malnutrition in nursing homes is a common and highly serious issue that can lead to significant health complications and diminished quality of life for residents. Nursing Homes are required to watch for signs of Malnutrition in their residents, but unfortunately not all facilities are as diligent as the law requires.

Families must remain vigilant and proactive in advocating for their loved ones' nutritional needs.

When a Nursing Home allows your loved one to suffer from Malnutrition, call us at Lenahan & Dempsey. 1.888.536.2426.

We have won Hundreds and Hundreds of Millions of Dollars for our clients. We are named to Best Law Firms in America and individual lawyers at our Firm are named to Best Lawyers in America (more on that below).

We have the background, skill set and resources to fight for your loved ones in Nursing Homes to get them the help they need and the compensation they deserve.

What is Malnutrition under Pennsylvania Law?

Malnutrition refers to a deficiency, excess, or imbalance in a person’s intake of needed vitamins and nutrients. In nursing homes, it can present as:

1. Undernutrition – This is insufficient calorie or nutrient intake, leading to weight loss, weakened immunity, sluggishness, and increased susceptibility to illness.
2. Overnutrition – This is the intake of excessive calories or certain nutrients, which can lead to obesity and related health issues.

Both forms of malnutrition can have serious consequences for residents, affecting their overall health, quality of life and often length of life.

Causes of Malnutrition in Nursing Homes

Malnutrition in nursing homes can result from many factors, including but not limited to:

1. Inadequate Staffing – This is a very common issue. A lack of staff can lead to insufficient supervision during mealtimes, resulting in residents not receiving the assistance they need to eat properly.
2. Poor Meal Planning – Facilities may not provide balanced meals that meet the dietary needs of residents, particularly those with special dietary requirements.
3. Neglect of Individual Resident Needs - Residents with cognitive impairments or physical disabilities may require additional support during meals, which can be overlooked.
4. Lack of Staff Training – Staff who are not properly trained in nutrition and the importance of feeding assistance may fail to recognize or address malnutrition issues. Also, Nursing Homes have been known to hire young high school or college students to oversee dining halls or in-room meals. While often well meaning, these students may be overwhelmed or undertrained on what they need to watch for in residents.

Recognizing The Signs of Malnutrition

1. Some Common Signs of Malnutrition are:
2. Weight Loss – While weight loss in and of itself is not uncommon among Nursing Home residents, Sudden or unexplained or significant weight loss over a short period can be a serious sign.
3. Fatigue or Weakness – Increased lethargy or difficulty performing daily activities should be noted.
4. Changes in Skin and Hair – These physical changes in your loved ones can be signals of Malnutrition: Dry skin, hair loss, or brittle nails can be signs of nutritional deficiencies.

What to Do If You Suspect Malnutrition In Your Nursing Home Loved One

If you suspect a loved one is suffering from malnutrition due to neglect in a Pennsylvania nursing home, it is essential to take action. Here are the first steps:

1. Explore Alternative Care Options – If possible, consider relocating your loved one to a facility that prioritizes proper nutrition and care.
2. Document Evidence – Keep detailed records of any concerning behaviors, including weight changes, health issues, or lack of assistance during meals. Photographs and medical records can also serve as important evidence.
3. Call us at Lenahan & Dempsey so we can help you take all the right steps – 1.888.536.2426

Why Call Lenahan & Dempsey

Our law firm has won Hundreds and Hundreds of Millions for our clients for all types of serious injuries. This has led to Judges and our peers voting us for inclusion in The Best Law Firms in America, and we are listed as a Tier 1 Law Firm (the highest rating).

Eight of our lawyers are listed in Best Lawyers in America and eight are listed as Pennsylvania Super Lawyers. Three, including Firm President John Lenahan, Jr., Managing Partner Timothy Lenahan and Attorney Matthew Dempsey are listed in The Top 100 Lawyers in Pennsylvania (out of over 48,000 Pennsylvania lawyers).

Timothy Lenahan is also Best Lawyers in America’s Top Insurance Lawyer for his representation of the injured fighting against large insurers for the region of Northeastern/Central Pennsylvania and the Pocono Mountains. He has previously been named Best Lawyers Top Personal Injury Lawyer for that region for his work fighting for the rights of injured people. Almost all injury cases are in fact highly complicated Insurance Cases.

What Can You Expect When Working With Lenahan & Dempsey

We have recovered Hundreds and Hundreds of Millions for our clients across almost all fields of Personal Injury, Insurance Bad Faith and Workers’ Compensation law.

We fully understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a case can take on victims and their families. Our highly dedicated team of lawyers and paralegals can point to a history of success supporting our clients and winning the money they need to rebuild their lives.