During a typical week, hundreds of thousands of nursing home residents are administered antipsychotic drugs for diagnoses in which the drugs are not approved. Nursing home facilities are responsible for ensuring all patients are treated with the utmost respect and care. However, all too often we find nursing home residents being given mind-altering drugs that are not medically necessary and can actually increase the likelihood of a death occurring.
A new Human Rights Watch report highlighted one specific occurrence of this – administration of antipsychotics to nursing home residents with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. Antipsychotics are intended to be used for patients with specific psychiatric diagnoses such as schizophrenia, not for patients with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
So why are these drugs being administered to people with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia? In short, because it makes the jobs of nursing home staff easier. These medications suppress behaviors and often cause patients with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia to fall asleep – making them easier to take care of.
To read more on this report, click here.
Federal regulations require individuals to be fully informed about their treatment and provide the right to refuse treatment. However, nursing homes often fail to obtain this consent and administer drugs without consent.
If you are concerned about the treatment of your loved one in a nursing facility, take a stand. Talk to the nursing home director. Talk to the nursing home’s doctor. Demand a medical explanation for the drugs they have prescribed. Be your loved one’s advocate and remember you are their voice.
If you are not getting the answers you need, contact the experienced Raleigh nursing home abuse attorneys at Henson Fuerst by calling (919) 781-1107.
Our law firm has been representing nursing home residents for more than 30 years. If you believe a loved one is a victim of severe abuse and neglect, or have additional questions or concerns, contact Henson Fuerst today at (919) 781-1107.
When you have Henson Fuerst on your side, you’ll be treated with respect and compassion. A member of our experienced legal team will listen to your concerns and document the details of your case. Our leading North Carolina nursing home abuse lawyers will research the issues of abuse or neglect and fight to get your loved one the treatment and respect he or she deserves.
