oklahoma city nursing home attorney
Report Highlights Misuse of Anti-Psychotics in Nursing Homes
A Boston Globe report based on government data has found that a number of the nation’s nursing homes are wrongfully using anti-psychotic drugs to silence residents who display hostile or combative behavior. According to a news report in USA Today, the Globe’s investigation found that a Massachusetts nursing home was administering dangerous anti-psychotic drugs to 19 percent of its residents, even those who did not have a diagnosis for which the drugs are recommended.
These drugs, usually prescribed for those suffering from schizophrenia, can have powerful side effects, including dizziness, abnormal heart rhythm, sudden drop in blood pressure, blurred vision, or even death. The Globe’s investigation also found that just in the year 2010, 185,000 nursing home residents nationwide received these drugs against the recommendation of federal nursing home regulators. Many of the patients who received these drugs were those suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia.
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Has Your Loved One Been Abused in an Oklahoma Nursing Home?
Nursing home abuse comes in many forms and it is often challenging to detect. If you suspect that your loved one has been abused emotionally, financially, physically, or sexually, please do not hesitate to take immediate action. You may be able to protect your loved one from further harm while pursuing compensation for their suffering. In some cases, you can help prevent future incidents by holding the at-fault parties accountable for their actions.
The first step is to determine if abuse has actually occurred. There are many signs of OK nursing home abuse and it is important to determine the validity of your concerns. Does your loved one have injuries that are not listed on their medical reports? Have there been significant changes in your loved one’s behavior? You may want to discuss your suspicions with your loved one and with other residents. If you believe that abuse is occurring, it is important to notify the authorities right away and to contact an experienced nursing home abuse lawyer to discuss your legal rights and options.
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