Increases in medication may be a sign of nursing home neglect in Louisville or anywhere across the State of Kentucky. According to a recent study by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (MCS), nationally more than 17% of the patents in nursing homes and convalescent centers are given higher doses of antipsychotic medications each day. Here in Kentucky, that number jumped to more than 25% of all those in senior care facilities, in some locations exceeding 40%.
This strategy of over-medicating allows staff to pay less attention to each patient. This is definitely a warning sign and a potential symptom of neglect in any nursing home or skilled nursing facilities. Many of these facilities may ask to be given the benefit of the doubt claiming the over-medication was simply a mistake. Over-medication is against the law in Kentucky and the experienced nursing home neglect attorneys at HLH will hold responsible parties accountable.
One reason for over-medication is the shortage of qualified medical staff in many Kentucky nursing homes. A recent article in the Journal of the American Medical Association cited a study ordered by Congress and prepared by the Department of Health and Human Services, which noted a majority of American nursing homes are understaffed. When nursing home staff are overworked it often leads to factors such as stress and frustration. The report noted “These staff members are more likely to commit abuse, whether intentional or not.”
Increases in medication may be a sign of nursing home neglect or abuse and your family should be concerned if you see substantial changes in a loved one’s medication. This is especially true if the changes involve antipsychotic medications or other sedatives. If you are concerned about nursing home neglect, abuse or injury we invite you to review the strong recommendations of our clients and the legal industry and contact HLH or call (866) 583-9701 for a free consultation.