By some estimates, 1 out of every 3 nursing home facilities will cause some form of abuse to the elders who reside there. Overmedication is believed to be one of the most commonly occurring forms of nursing home abuse. A report conducted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in 2010 concluded that at least 17% of all elders in nursing homes were daily given antipsychotic prescription medicines in doses well beyond the accepted limit.
Spotting overmedication remains difficult, however. To make matters worse, elders are often scared to report problems, or are simply incapable of recognizing them. Thus, identifying and handling overmedication usually falls upon their family and friends who come to visit them.
If you are worried that your elder is being harmed by overmedication, look for these warning signs:
- Uncharacteristic mood swings
- Reclusive, isolated behavior
- Chronic exhaustion
- Hypersomnia
- Apparent reaction to regular medications
- Disorientation
- Hallucinations
Behavior of nursing home staff can also be greatly telling of possible overmedication and other forms of nursing home abuse. Disgruntled, distracted workers can be a clear indication of a poor work environment. When employees suffer or are not committed to their jobs, the people they serve – elders in this instance – are sure to feel the adverse effects as well. You may also have sound suspicions if the location seems to always be understaffed.
Taking Action, Sooner Than Later
Overmedication is not a problem that can be put off. Your elders might be relying on you to help them in such a dangerous time of need. If you have any reason to suspect that they are being hurt by improper medicinal dosages, please call (203) 490-4155 as soon as you can to connect with one of our Connecticut injury lawyers from Sette & Parnoff, PC. Tell us what is going on in a free consultation so we can determine if you should file a lawsuit against the negligent or abusive nursing home. Time is of the essence since Connecticut law limits the time in which to file an action. We look forward to helping you and your family.