cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/45299674

OIG’s comprehensive review of 40 focused nursing home inspections completed by CMS found alarming instances of inappropriate use of antipsychotic drugs and revealed vulnerabilities in care that have implications for the wider nursing home population beyond these examples. Our review found:

Nursing homes gave antipsychotic drugs to residents with dementia to manage their behavior for the benefit of staff, despite FDA’s warning that these drugs may increase the risk of death.

Even though antipsychotic drugs pose risks to residents’ health, nursing homes did not take required steps to help protect residents who were given these drugs.

Medical directors failed to prevent inappropriate use of antipsychotic drugs.

Nursing home pharmacists failed to identify medical concerns and did not recommend dose reductions.

Inadequate nursing home policies and procedures undermined safeguards meant to protect residents.

  • bcgm3@lemmy.worldEnglish
    15·
    3 days ago

    Nursing homes gave antipsychotic drugs to residents with dementia to manage their behavior for the benefit of staff, despite FDA’s warning that these drugs may increase the risk of death.

    Being old enough to warrant living in an ALF and having dementia also pose an increased risk of death.

    Both my grandparents on my mom’s side had dementia for years before their bodies finally gave up, and those years were fucking horrible, for us and for them. Easily some of the worst years of their lives. Years they didn’t need to suffer through.

    This country needs to take a serious look at itself in the mirror regarding popular beliefs and attitudes toward euthenasia.