Because you lack the skills to care for your elderly relative, you have entrusted his or her well-being to the professionals at a nursing home. While many nursing homes provide top-level care, workers at too many others neglect or even abuse residents.
It can be difficult to identify nursing home abuse and neglect, often until it is too late to take action. In many instances, however, dehydration is the first indication that something is wrong. Consequently, you should learn how to recognize the warning signs of dehydration.
Common symptoms of dehydration in seniors
According to the Mayo Clinic, dehydration can cause seniors initially to have dry mouths and skin. As dehydration becomes more severe, your loved one might experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- Sunken eyes or cheeks
- Abnormally foul-smelling or dark-colored urine
- Fatigue, disorientation, dizziness or nausea
- Mood changes
It is not uncommon for dehydration to mimic other medical conditions. As a result, doctors may believe your loved one is suffering from a urinary tract infection, dementia or another ailment when he or she only needs to drink some fluids.
Common reasons for dehydration at nursing homes
Sufficient hydration is essential for anyone’s overall health and well-being. Unfortunately, though, because of both medications and ailments, nursing home residents may be reluctant to drink fluids. Even though nursing home professionals should be able to manage this reluctance, dehydration often happens because of neglect.
Even worse, nurses might withhold fluids to punish residents. Ultimately, if your relative suffers additional injuries or dies because of dehydration in the nursing home, you may have grounds to pursue substantial financial compensation.
