According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, some nursing homes do not use drugs in a manner that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There appears to be a significant problem, in particular, with antipsychotic drugs. While antipsychotics are typically for use in patients with severe mental illness such as bipolar disorder and dementia, nursing home care providers often use these drugs to treat patients with Alzheimer’s Disease or other form of dementia. This practice can result in serious side effects, such as agitation, confusion, and loss of memory.
All too often, antipsychotics and sedatives are used as chemical restraints to subdue or otherwise control the behavior of those who are labelled as “problem” patients. Individuals with dementia often fall into this category, due to their tendency to wander off, resist care efforts, and act in a physically or verbally abusive manner toward others. As a result, nursing homes, especially those with chronic shortages of workers or understaffing, may use drugs in an effort to better control the behavior of these types of patients.
Although the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and other agencies have made efforts to decrease the usage of antipsychotics in the nursing home setting, some estimate that over 300,000 nursing home residents are still receiving these drugs. Unfortunately, overuse of these drugs in elderly patients who do not need them creates a risk of death that is twice that of other types of patients. Specifically, these drugs can create cardiovascular problems and an increased risk of fatal infections in those elderly patients who take them.
Overmedication is only one of the many types of abuse or neglect that can occur in nursing home or residential care patients as a result of improper care by staff members. The Wisconsin elder abuse lawyers of Boller & Vaughan have handled countless claims on behalf of nursing home residents who have suffered serious injuries and even death due to the negligent behavior of nursing home staff and facilities, whether as a result of overmedication or another type of abuse or neglect. When a serious injury or death of a loved one occurs, we know just how devastating it can be, and how you powerless you feel as a result. Allow your family to begin the healing process from this traumatic event by holding the wrongdoers responsible for your loved one’s injuries. Contact our office today and set up a free consultation with one of our experienced nursing home abuse attorneys.
Although elder abuse affects about one in every 10 older adults, emergency room visits by older adults, which number 23 million annually, rarely fail to detect elder abuse. In fact, a new study shows that […]
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) states that there is an estimated one to three million serious infections that occur in nursing homes on an annual basis. These infections result in about 300,000 […]
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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.
