Advocating for Families Impacted by Nursing Home Malnutrition & Dehydration
When a loved one in a Cincinnati nursing home becomes malnourished or dehydrated, it is a serious warning sign of nursing home abuse or neglect. These conditions can cause rapid weight loss, confusion, weakness, infections, and life-threatening complications if left untreated. Nursing home staff are legally and ethically required to monitor residents’ nutrition and hydration — failure to do so is unacceptable.
At Nancy Iler Law Firm, we represent residents and their families in cases of malnutrition, dehydration, and wrongful death caused by nursing home negligence. With more than 30 years of experience, we know how to hold facilities accountable and secure compensation for medical care, pain and suffering, and future needs.
Why Malnutrition and Dehydration Happen in Nursing Homes
It may seem unthinkable that a resident could suffer malnutrition or dehydration in a facility that provides food and water daily — but it happens far too often. Common causes include:
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Understaffing and poor supervision leading to skipped meals or missed monitoring
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Failure to provide assistance to residents who need help eating or drinking
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Ignoring risk factors such as swallowing difficulties, medication side effects, or depression
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Failure to provide balanced meals tailored to a resident’s medical needs
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Lack of weight monitoring or dietary adjustments over time
These lapses can quickly lead to serious harm, especially for residents who are already frail or medically vulnerable.
Risk Factors for Malnutrition and Dehydration
Certain residents are at higher risk and must be closely monitored by nursing home staff:
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Residents recovering from illness or surgery
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Seniors with depression or cognitive decline
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Those with difficulty chewing, swallowing, or using utensils
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Individuals with sensory loss that reduces appetite
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Residents taking medications like diuretics (“water pills”) that increase fluid loss
Facilities must recognize these risks, document them in the resident’s care plan, and intervene before a crisis occurs.
Legal Duties of Cincinnati Nursing Homes
Federal and Ohio regulations require nursing homes to:
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Perform comprehensive nutrition and hydration assessments at admission and regularly thereafter
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Monitor each resident’s weight, protein levels, and fluid intake
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Work with registered dietitians to create individualized meal plans
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Implement corrective measures if a resident is losing weight or showing signs of dehydration
When a facility fails to meet these standards, it may be legally responsible for the harm caused.
Recognizing the Signs of Malnutrition and Dehydration
Family members should watch for:
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Unexplained weight loss or muscle wasting
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Dry mouth, cracked lips, or sunken eyes
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Confusion, dizziness, or increased fatigue
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Bedsores or slow-healing wounds
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Infections or recurring illnesses
Document what you see, take photos if possible, and notify staff and administration right away. These records can be critical evidence if legal action becomes necessary.
Protecting Your Loved One’s Rights
If your family member has suffered serious injury or passed away due to malnutrition or dehydration in a Cincinnati nursing home, you have the right to seek justice. Our firm can:
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Investigate facility records and care plans
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Consult medical experts to confirm the cause of harm
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Determine whether negligence contributed to the condition
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Pursue compensation through settlement or trial
We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we win compensation for your family.
Speak with a Cincinnati Nursing Home Malnutrition Lawyer
No family should have to worry about whether a nursing home is providing enough food or water to their loved one. If you suspect malnutrition, dehydration, or neglect, act quickly — these conditions can become fatal in a short period of time.
Call Nancy Iler Law Firm today for a free, confidential consultation with an experienced Cincinnati nursing home neglect attorney. We proudly represent clients throughout Cincinnati, Hamilton County, and across Ohio.
Client Review
I have known Nancy for more than 20 years. She is a tremendous asset to the legal community and her clients.
5 Star Lawyers.com Review – P.I.