Malnutrition in Nursing Homes

As with dehydration, the risk of malnutrition for nursing home residents is shockingly high. Data reveal that one-third to one-half of residents have been malnourished at some time during their stay in a facility. About one-third of all residents are underweight.

Some nursing home residents need extended time for meals, while others require assistance with eating.

Malnutrition may result in low blood sugar, muscle weakness, skin breakdown, confusion (which can be misdiagnosed as dementia), dizziness, weight loss, general poor health and death, among others.

Federal and state laws require nursing homes to insure that residents receive proper nutrition. Yet, many facilities chronically fail to meet this requirement.

Whose Fault?

The causes of this serious problem commonly are:

• Understaffing
• Unqualified staff
• Carelessness, inattention, neglect or abuse by staff

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