According to a study recently published by the University of British Columbia, doctors are more likely to overprescribe medication for women over the age of 65, as opposed to men of the same age group. While almost one in three elderly women were prescribed potentially inappropriate drugs, only one in four men were prescribed similarly inappropriate drugs. Although researchers found similar results in previous studies, the researchers in this study were able to rule out some of the reasons that might explain the study results, such as the fact that women, on the whole, live longer than men. The new study also included more data than previous studies, which also makes the results more reliable.
One of the reasons for overmedication may be that individuals wanting to take the same drugs in their 70s that they took in their 50s; some drugs are perfectly safe in early adulthood, but become risky when taken later in life. There is also a tendency of doctors to overprescribe sleep aids and benzodiazepines for seniors who simply require less sleep later in life. Additionally, the fact that women metabolize drugs faster than men, as well as the effects of traditional gender roles and social circumstances, may all play a part in doctors’ overprescribing of drugs for more women than men.
Overprescribing medication and other medication errors can have very serious consequences for nursing home and assisted living facility residents, or for any other elderly individual receiving assistance with his or her health care needs. In the most extreme cases, overprescribing medications can be toxic or cause severe side effects that can permanently harm or even kill an individual.
At Boller & Vaughan, we have investigated countless allegations of nursing home abuse and neglect, no matter what type of circumstances they entail, including overmedication, inappropriate restraints, and falls. Allow us to look into the facts and circumstances surrounding your case, discuss your options, and help you determine the most appropriate course of action for you and your family. Contact the Wisconsin nursing home abuse attorneys of Boller & Vaughan, and learn how we can help.
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We live in Friendship, Wisconsin, and Boller & Vaughan came to our doorstep to discuss our mother’s wrongful death claim on a Saturday morning. Not only were we pleased with the large recovery, we were so thankful to have lawyers who were willing to explain to us every twist and turn along the way. It is great to know there is a law firm that will fight for the rights of elderly people all over Wisconsin.
Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan were incredible in working on my case and my daughter’s case. I was out of work and in the hospital with a new baby. Mr. Boller and Ms. Vaughan protected our rights and it was a pleasure to work with them. I hope never to be in another motor vehicle accident, however, if I am and I am injured, I will contact Boller & Vaughan immediately.
I was referred to Michelle through a friend. I have never had a better experience. It took a little over a year to get my settlement but the staff there stayed in constant contact and kept me in the loop. Oh, and Michelle actually got me MORE money than we discussed. I will refer anyone to this firm. Words cannot do justice the thanks that I have for Michelle and her staff (Mary especially) thank you guys so much!
After my husband died as a result of a motor vehicle accident, Boller & Vaughan spent countless hours talking with me, meeting with me in person, and making sure that I was okay. The drunk driver who hit us did not have any insurance, and we had to make a claim through our own insurance. Boller & Vaughan was fantastic at explaining the law to me and the handling of our claims.
After my son was injured in a daycare setting, Ms. Vaughan took the time to thoroughly investigate our case and my son’s injuries. Michele was approachable and had answers to our questions. Talking with her helped to relieve many of our anxieties.
