The problem’s become so out-of-control that three senators today called for stricter legislation concerning the administration of anti-psychotics in nursing homes.
“We need a new policy that helps to ensure that these drugs are being appropriately used to treat people with mental illnesses, not used to curb behavioral symptoms of Alzheimer’s or other dementias,” said Senator Herb Kohl (D-Wis).
The new legislation would require nursing homes to seek permission from either patients or family members before administering anti-psychotics – something that’s done in a small percentage of cases.
“This [legislation] is intended to empower residents and their loved ones in the decisions about the drugs prescribed to them,” said Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa).
I can only hope the legislation catches on, and that more families take an active stance in asking the right questions, monitoring their loved one’s medications, and knowing the risks involved in taking anti-psychotics. Without proper studies on the books documenting all the side effects of anti-psychotics, families must still rely on their simple powers of observation.
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