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Posted on Oct 10, 2002, 4 a.m.
By Bill Freeman
According to research released by The Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation, at least one-third of the 1.6 million nursing home residents in the United States may suffer from dehydration and malnutrition, which can aggravate pre-existing medical conditions and lead to weight loss and even death. A 1987 federal law requires nursing homes to meet residents' nutritional needs.
According to research released by The Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation, at least one-third of the 1.6 million nursing home residents in the United States may suffer from dehydration and malnutrition, which can aggravate pre-existing medical conditions and lead to weight loss and even death. A 1987 federal law requires nursing homes to meet residents' nutritional needs. However, nursing homes may not be meeting these requirements due to staff shortages, high turnover or lack of individual care, among other reasons, the study suggests. Such obstacles can lead to inconsistent care for residents. Researchers suggest the problem could be alleviated by increasing staff so there are enough employees to provide food and drink to residents, many of whom need assistance in eating.
SOURCE/REFERENCE: Reported by Onhealth, June 7, 2000
