Are Mississippi Nursing Homes Overmedicating Dementia Patients?
If your parent resides in a Mississippi nursing home due to Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or another mental disability, you may constantly worry about the level of care they are receiving. This concern is not unfounded. A recent Human Rights Watch investigation uncovered disturbing practices in nursing homes nationwide, where antipsychotic drugs are often administered to patients who do not need them, simply to make them easier to manage. In many cases, these patients are unaware they are being medicated and have not given their consent. Nursing home abuse attorneys frequently encounter such issues, making it crucial for families to be aware of the risks.
Shocking Findings of Widespread Drug Misuse
The Human Rights Watch investigation, which examined 15,600 nursing homes across the country, revealed that over 179,000 elderly residents, or about 16 percent, were routinely given antipsychotic drugs without a proper medical diagnosis. This means that nearly one in six residents was being medicated for conditions like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, despite not having these diagnoses. In some facilities, as many as 30 percent of patients, many of whom suffer from dementia, were given these powerful drugs. Staff members admitted to using drugs like Haloperidol, Risperidone, and Seroquel to control patients’ behaviors, a practice that elder rights advocates refer to as “chemical restraints.” Personal injury attorneys can provide legal assistance to families who suspect their loved ones are being overmedicated.
Federal Regulations and Lack of Enforcement
The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 provides strong legal protections for nursing home residents, including regulations against the improper use of antipsychotic drugs. However, enforcement of these regulations has been lax. Between 2014 and 2017, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued only 7,039 citations for drug misuse in nursing homes, and 97 percent of these cases were deemed to have caused “no actual harm.” As a result, none of the facilities faced the financial penalties mandated by the NHRA. Despite federal regulations banning the use of antipsychotic drugs in inappropriate cases, the CMS placed a moratorium on these regulations in 2016, further weakening protections for vulnerable patients. Attorneys who specialize in elder care can help navigate the complexities of these regulations and advocate for the rights of nursing home residents.
The Risks of Antipsychotic Drugs for Dementia Patients
The use of antipsychotic drugs in dementia patients is particularly concerning. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has never approved these drugs for dementia treatment and requires manufacturers to include a “black box” warning on the packaging. This warning highlights the serious risks associated with these medications, including the nearly doubled risk of death in dementia patients. Despite these warnings, the practice of administering antipsychotic drugs to dementia patients continues in many nursing homes, putting countless lives at risk. Families who suspect their loved ones are being improperly medicated should consult with nursing home abuse attorneys to explore their legal options.
Taking Legal Action to Protect Loved Ones
If you believe your loved one is being overmedicated or mistreated in a Mississippi nursing home, it is important to take action. Consulting with an attorney who specializes in nursing home abuse can help you understand your rights and the steps you can take to protect your loved one. Legal action can lead to the cessation of harmful practices and provide compensation for any harm caused. Personal injury attorneys can assist in gathering evidence, filing claims, and holding the responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Conclusion: Protecting the Rights of Nursing Home Residents in Mississippi
The misuse of antipsychotic drugs in nursing homes is a serious issue that endangers the health and well-being of vulnerable residents. By staying informed and vigilant, families can help protect their loved ones from being overmedicated and ensure they receive the care they deserve. Attorneys specializing in elder care law are essential allies in this fight, providing the legal expertise needed to challenge these dangerous practices.
Through awareness, legal intervention, and advocacy, Mississippi families can ensure that nursing home residents are treated with dignity and respect, and that those responsible for abuse and neglect are held accountable.
