What Are the Signs of Dehydration?

According to research from the Mayo Clinic, the signs of dehydration include changes in attitude, bowel movements, urination, and physical appearance. Ultimately, the symptoms of dehydration are known to vary, depending on the age of the sufferer. In elderly sufferers, it may be difficult to identify some of the symptoms, such as dark urination, for example.

Yet, no matter how old the patient is, the most glaring signs of dehydration will likely take the form of confusion, disorientation, or fatigue. Keep in mind that some signs of dehydration do not signify a serious health risk. However, if you notice extreme changes in the sufferer’s physical or mental health, they may need immediate medical attention to keep them from further harm.

The symptoms of serious dehydration include but are not limited to:

• Increased irritability
• Confused or delusional behavior
• Persistent diarrhea for more than 24 hours
• Sleeping for long periods or displaying increased lethargy
• Bowel movements that appear black, bloody, or otherwise discolored
• Inability to retain fluids

The Health Effects of Dehydration

According to BMC Public Health, dehydration can cause numerous health concerns, including strokes, kidney problems, seizures, and low blood pressure. Water is an essential part of human life, and it affects numerous biological processes. A lack of water can cause issues like overheating, poor circulation, and poor organ function.

Additionally, the human body needs essential vitamins and electrolytes found in liquids. Without these electrolytes, physical and mental disturbances can occur. While most of the effects of dehydration will be short-term, severe dehydration can lead to permanent illnesses and disabilities.

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Elderly People Have a Higher Risk of Dehydration

Older adults may become dehydrated more easily. As the human body ages, essential organs do not function as well as they used to. According to Mayo Clinic, elderly individuals may expel more liquids than usual or fail to retain healthy amounts of water on a daily basis.

Further, certain health conditions, including issues with the kidneys and bladder, may increase the chances of becoming dehydrated. Ultimately, the risk of dehydration may be even greater if the individual has been confined to a nursing home or assisted living facility because they can no longer properly care for themselves. If the attending staff does not take proper care of the elderly patient, their basic needs may be withheld, causing numerous health issues.

Thankfully, you may be within your rights to take legal action against any organization that puts your loved ones at risk while they are under the care of a nursing home. You may have the option to file an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit on your loved one’s behalf. Additionally, you have the right to hire legal representation when you take either of these measures.

Why Hire a Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer?

When you place a loved one into a nursing home, you are putting a lot of trust into that organization. At the very least, the nursing home should be taking care of their basic needs, such as food, water, and medications. When nursing homes fail to keep their patients hydrated, they are violating their basic human rights, not to mention the explicit violation of their duties as a medical facility.

The signs of dehydration may be a wake-up call that something is seriously wrong with the care you are receiving. Medical professionals make a vow to protect their patients and keep them safe from further harm. When innocent victims are neglected and abused, somebody should have to answer for the consequences of their actions.

Above all else, we want you to know you do not have to go through your legal battle alone. Our law firm is here to fight for your family every step of the way. From gathering evidence to filing lawsuits to representing you in trial, High Stakes Injury Law can be there to help you during your fight for justice.

Call an Attorney Today

To learn more about our nursing home abuse services at High Stakes Injury Law, contact a representative today at (702) 707-5934 to get started with your free consultation.