The elderly and disabled are often on a lot of medications to improve their heath and quality of life. These medications save and extend the lives of thousands of seniors in this country. However, senior advocacy groups and nursing home abuse lawyers are fighting to decrease the use of unnecessary antipsychotic medications. These drugs do help numerous people, including the elderly, but we are seeing an alarming number of antipsychotic medications being used in nursing homes on residents to make them easier to deal with. These “chemical restraints” are being misused by nursing homes and we are encouraging you to keep an eye on your loved ones in case they are being abused with these drugs.
Use of Antipsychotic Drugs in Nursing Homes Goes Down
The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services named “decreasing the use of antipsychotic drugs in nursing homes” a top priority last year, with a goal of reducing current usage by 15 percent. California made one of the highest drops with 8.5 percent. The state was already below the national average of 22.9 percent with 19.3 percent use of antipsychotic drugs in nursing homes. James Gomez, the president and CEO of the California Association of Health Facilities said, “This is a good start. The reduction of antipsychotic medication crosses into every aspect of the health care continuum — and this effort will succeed with the help of doctors, nurses, hospitals, families and nursing home caregivers.”
Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers in New Jersey and Philadelphia
If you or your loved one have suffered nursing home abuse, negligence, and inadequacy it’s time to contact nursing home abuse lawyers. The team at Messa & Associates is dedicated to earning justice and compensation for those injured by negligence and abuse in nursing homes and long term care facilities. Call, toll-free, 1-800-MessaLaw, or submit a free online inquiry. If you would like immediate assistance, click the CHAT LIVE icon to the right. A representative is present right now to answer your questions.