Malnutrition prevents residents from healing from injuries or effectively fighting off infection and disease.

The health of nursing home patients is often very fragile. Lack of proper nutrition can trigger health problems ranging from bed sores to heart disease. A form of nursing home neglect and abuse, malnutrition can lead to a rapid decline in health or even death.

We know that malnutrition in nursing homes is a serious problem that is often linked to inadequate staffing or lack of proper training.

Signs of malnutrition
Have you noticed signs that your family member is malnourished? Do his clothes fit more loosely than usual? Has she seemed to have lost weight? Other signs of possible malnutrition include:

• Cracks around the mouth
• Pale lips
• Tooth loss
• Dentures no longer fit
• Hair falls out
• Wounds that do not heal
• Mental confusion not related to Alzheimer's or dementia
• Bed sores and skin problems
• Sunken eyes

Malnutrition and dehydration slows down healing and can worsen existing health problems. As a result it can lead to the death of the patient. In some cases, patients with dietary requirements e.g. diabetics may be deprived of the nutrition they require and those that require help in feeding themselves are left with food in front of them but no-one to help reach it.

Under-nutrition can lead to a variety of infections including urinary tract infections and pneumonia. Patients may become depressed, weak and fatigued.

Our experienced team are available to help prepare your claim and provide assistance before and during the claim. We understand the importance of treating our clients with compassion, dignity and respect.

Complete the contact form and we will immediately put you in touch with a specialist solicitor.

Or simply call us on 0800 118 5855 we'll tell you straight away whether we think you have a valid case and how you can make a claim.