Overmedication results when elderly patients take unneeded or excessive quantities of medication. When staff intentionally overmedicate their residents, it is considered elder abuse, whereas accidental overmedication may point to nursing home neglect. Nursing home staff may purposely overmedicate their residents to better control those who are more difficult and stubborn. If you believe your loved one may be a victim of overmedication at their nursing home, it is important to act quickly to avoid further injury and hold the proper parties accountable.
What Does Overmedication Look Like in Nursing Homes?
Lethargy, isolation, confusion, and excessive sleeping are just a few of the signs that someone may notice if their loved one is a victim of overmedication. Additionally, excessive quantities of medication can lead to depression, injury, and even death. When the overmedication is chronic, not only may the resident develop an addiction, but acute medical conditions may also.
There are several manners in which nursing staff may overmedicate their residents. If a staff member administers medication and neglects to monitor how the drug will interact with the resident’s other medications, this may be considered overmedication. Additionally, if there is no prescription for the medication, administering the drug can be considered overmedication.
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