According to University of Michigan researchers, there has been a significant increase in the number of senior citizens who are taking three or more medications that affect their brains. Back in 2004, about 0.6% of individuals over the age of 65 were taking three or more potentially brain-altering drugs, including antidepressants, opioids, antipsychotics, and tranquilizers. By 2013, however, that percentage had more than doubled, with 1.4% of individuals over the age of 65 taking three or more such drugs. These figures, which came from a review of U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data correlate with over 3.68 million doctor visits per year in order to prescribe these drugs. Although these numbers show an increased willingness of senior citizens to accept medication for mental health conditions, there are also increased risks of taking these combinations of drugs.
The CDC statistics showed the largest increases among senior citizens taking this quantity and type of drugs occurred in rural areas; usage of three or more drugs that impacted the brain tripled among this group of senior citizens. The largest risks that result from the usage of drugs that affect the central nervous system for senior citizens are increased risks of falls and injuries caused by falls, decreased driving abilities, and difficulties with memory and thinking. The biggest concern for those individuals who take opioid painkillers, along with certain other drugs that affect the brain, including benzodiazepine tranquilizers, is an increased risk of death in general.
At Boller & Vaughan, we know firsthand just how prevalent neglect in community based residential facilities and nursing homes can be, particularly with respect to the most vulnerable patients. If your family member has suffered abuse, neglect, or recurrent overmedication, we are here to protect your rights and represent your interests, no matter what the case may involve. Our law firm has the experience that you need in a case such as this, so that you can explore all of the options that are available to you, and decide what legal avenue to pursue. Call the Wisconsin community-based residential facility neglect attorneys today at (608) 268-0268 and schedule a free appointment.
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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.
