Protecting Nursing Home Residents in Dayton from Neglect
When a loved one in a Dayton nursing home suffers from malnutrition or dehydration, it is a red flag for nursing home neglect. These dangerous conditions can lead to rapid weight loss, weakness, confusion, infections, and even death if not addressed promptly. Nursing homes are legally required to monitor residents’ nutrition and hydration — and when they fail, they can be held accountable.
At Nancy Iler Law Firm, we represent victims of nursing home neglect throughout Dayton and Montgomery County. With over 30 years of experience as a nursing home injury attorney, Nancy Iler fights to protect vulnerable seniors, uncover facility failures, and secure compensation for families impacted by preventable harm.
How Malnutrition and Dehydration Happen in Nursing Homes
It may seem impossible for a resident to suffer from poor nutrition or dehydration in a facility that serves meals daily, but these problems occur frequently due to:
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Chronic understaffing leading to missed meals or unmonitored food intake
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Failure to assist residents who need help eating or drinking
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Lack of care planning for residents with swallowing issues or medical conditions
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Ignoring warning signs like significant weight loss
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Providing meals that don’t meet individual dietary needs
These failures violate the duty of care nursing homes owe to their residents — and can have devastating consequences.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Certain residents require additional attention from staff to prevent malnutrition or dehydration, including:
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Seniors recovering from illness or surgery
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Residents with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other cognitive impairments
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Individuals with chewing or swallowing difficulties
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Residents taking diuretics or other medications that increase fluid loss
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Those experiencing depression, grief, or loss of appetite
Nursing homes must identify these risk factors early, monitor intake carefully, and make adjustments as needed.
Nursing Home Legal Responsibilities in Ohio
Ohio and federal regulations require nursing homes to:
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Conduct a comprehensive nutrition and hydration assessment when residents are admitted and reassess regularly
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Monitor weight and protein levels to detect health changes
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Provide appropriate food, supplements, and fluids based on medical needs
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Take immediate corrective action when malnutrition or dehydration is detected
Failure to comply with these standards can result in liability for any harm caused to the resident.
Warning Signs Families Should Watch For
Family members play a key role in detecting neglect. Watch for:
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Noticeable weight loss or visible frailty
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Dry skin, cracked lips, or sunken eyes
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Increased confusion, fatigue, or dizziness
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Bedsores or slow-healing wounds
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Frequent infections or declining health
Document these signs with photos and written notes and notify nursing home staff right away. Your records may become critical evidence in proving neglect.
Legal Options for Dayton Families
If your loved one has suffered serious harm — or passed away — due to malnutrition or dehydration, you may be entitled to compensation for:
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Medical expenses and future care needs
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Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
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Wrongful death damages if neglect caused their passing
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Punitive damages when neglect is reckless or intentional
Our firm investigates every aspect of your case, consults medical experts, and fights to hold negligent facilities accountable.
Work with an Experienced Dayton Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer
You trusted the nursing home to meet your loved one’s most basic needs — and they failed. Now you deserve answers and justice.
Call Nancy Iler Law Firm today for a free, confidential consultation with a skilled Dayton nursing home malnutrition and dehydration attorney. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we win compensation for your family. We proudly serve clients throughout Dayton, Kettering, Beavercreek, and across Ohio.