Statistics show that over time, with age, we will need more and more prescription medication. And even though most diseases occur at any age, stroke, cancer and heart disease are the three killers of elderly people and all three require numerous medication. But, there are also other conditions that come with age, such as high blood pressure, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's and diabetes. According to AARP, people over the age of 75 take more than 11 different drugs over a year.
Knowing this, one would think that nursing homes make properly managing patient medication a high priority. In well-run nursing homes, the staff members ensure that the nursing home residents receive their correct medication. But in poorly managed nursing homes this is not happening. As a result, there are a lot of cases where patients receive wrong medication or an overdose. These are the two most frequent forms of nursing home medication abuse in Maryland.
Wrong medication
A patient receiving the wrong medication happens mostly in nursing homes that are understaffed, and their overworked nurses start making mistakes. As a result, some residents of that nursing home may be given the wrong prescription drugs, from other inhabitants. If one patient is receiving high-blood pressure medication and they are suffering from diabetes, their medical condition will aggravate. In addition to this, the patient suffering from high-blood pressure will most likely also receive the wrong medication. In fact, around 10% of the nursing home patients are taking the wrong medication. Look for nursing home abuse signs in Annapolis and if necessary hire a nursing home abuse lawyer from Maryland.
Overdosing or Chemical Restraint
The previously mentioned scenario is dangerous, but it is most likely not an intentional abuse (it is still considered an abuse and it's illegal). But there are other, more sinister acts done by nursing home staff members, such as purposely overdosing residents. Some staff members are intentionally giving patients drugs that were not prescribed for them or higher quantities of their prescribed medication. In fact, more than 18% of nursing home residents don't take the prescribed amount of drugs. This is also a type of nursing home medication abuse in Maryland and according to the nursing home abuse law in MD it is punishable. If you or someone you know has suffered or is suffering from nursing home abuse, you should hire a nursing home abuse attorney from Annapolis and bring the responsible party to justice.
Watch for nursing home abuse signs in Annapolis
If your loved one has health or behaviour changes, if they start developing unusual physical symptoms, or are confused or lethargic, they could be the victim of nursing home medication abuse. Ask to see the log of the medication they were given, and if you suspect that your loved one was improperly medicated, you need to ask a doctor to do some tests. A lot of nursing home abuse incidents are not reported; that is why it is important for the loved ones to pay attention to nursing home abuse signs. If you suspect something, you should also contact a nursing home abuse lawyer from Maryland.
Getting the legal help you need
Even if you know how to report a nursing home abuse in Maryland if you want that person to take responsibility for their actions, you should contact a lawyer. With the help of a professional, you will be able to bring the culprit to justice and punish them according to the nursing home abuse law in MD. Report any nursing home abuse in Maryland and make sure that the person responsible will not hurt anyone in the future. To receive a free consultation, contact the most experienced nursing home abuse attorney from Annapolis at: (443) 569-3950 or via email at chris@annapolisaccidentattorney.com.
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