West Virginia Nursing Home Malnutrition Attorney

What is Malnutrition?

Malnutrition occurs when a person’s body does not receive the nutrients it needs to function properly. In nursing homes, this can mean a dangerous lack of calories, protein, vitamins, or minerals. Older adults are particularly vulnerable because many already struggle with chronic conditions, diminished appetite, or difficulties swallowing (dysphagia).

When left untreated, malnutrition can cause rapid weight loss, muscle wasting, weakened immunity, poor wound healing, and even death. In many cases, it is a direct result of inadequate care—something no nursing home resident should ever have to endure.

Common Causes of Malnutrition in Nursing Homes

While some residents have pre-existing conditions that make eating and drinking more difficult, nursing home staff have a duty to prevent malnutrition through attentive and consistent care. Unfortunately, many cases are caused by:

• Insufficient Staffing: Understaffed facilities may not have enough caregivers to help residents eat, monitor food intake, or prepare meals tailored to dietary needs.
• Neglect or Poor Supervision: Staff may fail to notice that a resident has stopped eating, is losing weight, or is experiencing difficulty swallowing.
• Inadequate Meal Planning: Meals that are unappetizing, nutritionally imbalanced, or inappropriate for a resident’s medical needs can lead to a decline in food intake.
• Failure to Assist with Eating: Some residents need direct assistance—such as help with utensils, encouragement, or reminders—to consume enough food. When this help is not provided, malnutrition can set in quickly.
•  Ignoring Medical Conditions: Conditions such as dementia, depression, or gastrointestinal issues can reduce appetite. If staff ignore these problems, residents are at greater risk of severe nutrient deficiencies.

How Nursing Home Staff Prevent & Manage Malnutrition

Preventing malnutrition in nursing homes is not complicated—but it does require diligence, compassion, and adherence to medical guidelines. Proper prevention and management should include:

• Comprehensive Nutritional Assessments: Every resident should be evaluated upon admission and at regular intervals for signs of malnutrition risk.
• Individualized Meal Plans: Nursing homes must prepare meals that meet each resident’s dietary needs, considering allergies, medical conditions, and personal preferences.
• Daily Monitoring: Staff should track each resident’s food and fluid intake and immediately address any sudden changes.
• Prompt Medical Intervention: If weight loss or nutrient deficiencies are detected, nursing homes must involve doctors, dietitians, or speech therapists (for swallowing issues) promptly.
• Adequate Assistance at Mealtimes: Residents who need help should never be left to struggle alone. Staff must assist with feeding, adaptive utensils, and proper seating to ensure safe and sufficient intake.

When these steps are neglected, malnutrition is often the result—and that’s when legal action may be necessary.

Why Choose McHugh Fuller Law Group?

At McHugh Fuller Law Group, we combine deep legal knowledge with a compassionate approach to client care. We:

• Investigate thoroughly to determine whether malnutrition resulted from negligence.
• Gather medical records, staff reports, and witness statements to build a strong case.
• Hold facilities accountable through settlement negotiations or trial.
• Seek full compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

We understand the emotional toll this situation takes on families, and we work tirelessly to ensure negligent nursing homes cannot harm others in the future.

If you are worried your loved one is experiencing malnutrition or neglect in a West Virginia nursing home, call (601) 255-0240 for a confidential, cost-free consultation.