Medication Errors In Nursing Homes

Mistakes with medication are a type of medical malpractice that can have serious and even deadly consequences. Unfortunately, medication errors and misuse are very common in nursing homes. In these settings, the consequences might not be as immediately obvious as they would be in a hospital or private practice where a patient’s daily progress is monitored more closely.

At The Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Law Firm, PC, LLO, we understand that medication mistakes and the deliberate misuse of medication often cause nursing home patients to suffer needlessly, leading to medical problems that can be impossible to correct. We are dedicated to ensuring that those who have suffered due to medication errors receive fair and just treatment, and that nursing homes are held accountable, incentivizing them to change their practices and provide more attentive care in the future.

Common Medication Errors

Incorrect Dosage

Medications are prescribed in specific dosages based on a patient’s medical needs and condition. Incorrect dosages, whether too high or too low, can be very dangerous. An insufficient dose may fail to treat the condition, causing it to worsen, while an excessive dose can impair the functioning of multiple organs, potentially leading to permanent damage or death.

Receiving the Wrong Medication

It is unfortunately common for nursing home residents to receive medication meant for someone else. This can cause dangerous interactions for the patient wrongfully receiving the medication and deprive the intended recipient of the medication they need. Such errors can occur due to system mistakes, misreading names, or picking up the wrong bottle. Failing to double-check medications can result in serious harm to patients.

Failing to Administer Medication

Nursing home staff sometimes neglect to give patients their prescribed medications. This neglect can become habitual and severely impact a patient’s health. Depriving patients of necessary medications can cause unnecessary pain, hinder recovery, or exacerbate conditions such as high blood pressure, potentially leading to heart attacks or strokes.

Other Medication Errors

Overworked or undertrained staff in nursing homes can make various other medication errors, such as:

• Using the wrong technique to administer medicine
• Administering medication at the wrong time or intervals
• Failing to consider drug interactions
• Incorrectly preparing medication, such as diluting it to the wrong concentration

Deliberate Misuse of Medication

Nursing homes often fail to hire or schedule adequate staff to properly care for patients, for the sake of increased profits. To compensate, staff may wrongfully use medication to keep patients restrained or sedated. This misuse of medication, also called “chemical restraints” severely impacts a patient’s physical, mental, and emotional health, as well as their dignity and quality of life.

Overmedication can cause excessive sleep, confusion, lethargy, and reclusive behavior, making it easier for staff to control patients at the cost of residents’ well-being. This can lead to depression, cognitive changes, and serious health conditions like heart attacks over time. The deliberate misuse of medication is one of the cruelest forms of abuse in nursing homes, and facilities that engage in this practice must be held accountable.

Contact Nebraska’s Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Law Firm if You Suspect Medication Errors

If you believe a loved one has suffered due to medication errors or is being given unnecessary medication, it is crucial to act quickly. At The Nursing Home Abuse & Neglect Law Firm, PC, LLO, powered by Reed Law Offices, PC, LLO, we are dedicated exclusively to helping victims of nursing home abuse and neglect. We can help you take action to protect your loved one and prevent further harm to others.

For a confidential consultation to learn how we can assist, contact our team today.