If food doesn't taste or smell good, people may not feel like eating. Whatever the reason, the effects of malnutrition can lead to confused thinking, a reduced resistance to illness or the ability to recover from illness, and reduced physical ability. Dehydration is another serious health problem for many older people who may take multiple prescription drugs that dry out their bodies. Not getting enough fluids is dangerous. It can make people more vulnerable to illness and problems like low blood pressure, dizziness, and confusion.
Dehydration can even lead to hospitalization.
As you visit several homes, it might become difficult to keep all of your observations straight. In the back of this publication you will find a nursing home Check List . Make copies of this Check List and fill out a separate Check List for every nursing home that you visit. Do this during or right after the visit while your memory is fresh. After visiting several homes and filling out the Check List, you should be ready to decide on some homes that might be a good choice for you or the person you are helping.