Malnutrition is a serious concern among companies who are in charge of the elderly, the disabled or otherwise. It may have a lasting impact on a person no matter what age they are. Any time a family makes a claim against a company regarding malnutrition, it is a dire allegation that has high financial costs.
Knowing the signs of malnutrition may help you understand what to look for to either prevent it from happening in the first place or knowing when a person may suffer from something else.
The types of malnutrition
Malnutrition is a nebulous term that means a lot of things in a lot of different places. In some cases, it refers to underweight wasting and in others, it refers to overweight obesity. According to the World Health Organization, nearly 2 billion adults are obese and 462 million are underweight worldwide.
The specific types of malnutrition are as follows:
- Undernutrition, which includes low weight-for-height and low weight-for-age
- Micronutrient-related, meaning a person lacks vital nutrients and vitamins
- Noncommunicable diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and stroke
The symptoms of malnutrition
Common signs of malnutrition include poorly healing wounds, rapid weight loss, dental issues and even memory problems.
Every person’s body is unique and so it might be easy to overlook what appears normal for a particular client. It might also be easy for families to assume the worst when their loved one exhibits some of these signs.
When facing claims of malnutrition or negligence, it is important for you to protect your company’s assets and reputation by leaning on the medical knowledge surrounding this topic. It is a sensitive subject with many angles that may or may not define it. Defending against these claims involves rigorous study, assessment and patience with this nebulous and serious topic.