Malnutrition in Conyers Nursing Homes

Why Malnutrition is Dangerous for the Elderly

Elderly people are especially susceptible to malnutrition because their bodies may not process nutrients as efficiently as they used to. Malnutrition can weaken the immune system, increase the risk of infections, lead to muscle weakness and falls, and exacerbate chronic health conditions. For nursing home residents, this can significantly decrease their quality of life and even lead to life-threatening complications.

What Causes Malnutrition in Nursing Homes?

• Inadequate Staffing: Insufficient staff can lead to inadequate monitoring of residents’ dietary needs.
• Neglect: Staff may fail to provide necessary assistance during meals.
• Medical Conditions: Certain illnesses and medications can affect appetite and nutrient absorption.
• Poor Food Quality: Meals that lack variety and nutritional value can contribute to deficiencies.

Some examples of medical issues that may cause malnutrition in Conyers nursing home residents include:

• Dementia
• Anorexia
• Liver disease
• Cancer
• Ulcerative colitis
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Digestive problems
• Difficulty chewing/swallowing.
• Crohn’s disease
• Depression
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Difficulty absorbing nutrients.

What are the Consequences of Malnutrition?

Malnutrition can lead to severe issues, including:

• Increased risk of falls and fractures
• A weakened immune system, making infections more prevalent.
• Slower wound healing
• Cognitive decline and confusion
• Overall deterioration of health
• Kidney failure
• Rickets
• Anemia
• Memory loss
• Hair loss
• Vision loss
• Chronic heart failure
• Decreased bone mass.
• Muscle weakness
• Lethargy

Legal Duties of Nursing Homes

Nursing homes are legally obligated to provide adequate nutrition and hydration to their residents. This includes assessing each resident’s dietary needs, creating, and following appropriate meal plans; and assisting residents who need help eating. Failure to meet these obligations can constitute neglect or abuse.

Below is a list of suggested actions that help combat and reverse malnutrition. Nursing homes and other long-term care facilities should have a plan for each resident based on age, overall health, and other criteria. 

• Encourage healthy eating habits by offering nutrient-dense options like peanut butter, fruits, vegetables, meats, whole grains, and dairy. 
• Offer healthy snacks like smoothies, fruit, granola, cheese, or peanut butter between meals. 
• Encourage daily exercise.
• Always make food accessible. 
• Involve doctors and dietitians when forming individualized meal plans. 
• If a resident has lost 5% of their body weight, doctors and caregivers should work together to identify and rectify the problem. 
• Involve dentists when a resident has an issue with oral pain, chewing, or swallowing. 
• Meals should meet individual tastes, including assorted options despite food allergies or ethnic or regional preferences.
• Some residents should always be observed while eating, especially if they are at considerable risk of choking.
• Some residents may require specific diets due to health issues, food allergies, or medication requirements. Meals should be planned around the required needs of each resident and followed meticulously. 

Recognizing Signs of Malnutrition

Family members should be vigilant for signs of malnutrition, which can include:

• Sudden weight loss or gain
• Weakness and fatigue
• Dry, cracked skin or lips.
• Swelling or edema
• Decreased muscle mass.
• Frequent infections
• Bedsores
• Brittle nails
• Swollen abdomen
• Mouth sores.
• Depression
• Dizziness
• Hair loss or dull hair