In recent years, nursing homes have increasingly turned to antipsychotic drugs as a cost-effective solution to caring for more patients with less staff. As the nursing home industry has moved toward larger institutions with more residents, the managing companies have sought to streamline their operations by reducing the number of staff members. An essential part of this strategy is using antipsychotic drugs to calm and quiet “unruly” patients. About 30% of nursing home residents are on antipsychotic drugs, including about 21% of non-psychotic patients.
Why is this the case? There are three main factors. First, it is common for doctors to prescribe antipsychotics Risperdal and Seroquel for off-lable uses, such as sufferers of dementia. Recently, prescriptions for the antipsychotics were also written for depression, confusion, memory loss, and feelings of isolation, many of which are suffered by the majority of nursing home residents.
Second, there is the above-mentioned desire of nursing homes to reduce staff, making them willing to do anything that will quiet patients without the need for physical restraints, which often lead to citations.
Finally, Medicaid and other federal programs will reimburse nursing home for drugs, often without questioning the need for the prescription.
If you have a loved one in a nursing home, it is important that you carefully scrutinize their medications to make sure they are not suffering from this form of abuse. If you suspect they are simply being given medications to keep them quiet, move them to another facility, and contact an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer. In Fort Lauderdale, contact Ellis, Ged, & Bodden, P.A. for a free initial consultation.
