When your parent moves into a nursing home or other care facility, you want to feel reassured that they are safe and treated with the dignity they deserve. You look for the obvious signs of care, like clean rooms and attentive staff. However, some of the most serious risks may be lurking beneath the surface.
Chemical restraints, which involve using drugs to control behavior rather than treat a medical condition, can quietly strip away a loved one’s personality and health.
Signs of overmedication
Overmedicating patients is something negligent or reckless facilities might rely on when they are understaffed or incapable of treating residents with a standard level of care. This approach can be grounds for a legal claim if your loved one is hurt or worse as a result.
If your parent suddenly seems detached or shows a dramatic drop in energy, it may not be a natural part of aging. You should stay alert for specific behaviors that suggest a resident is being sedated for the facility’s convenience:
- Unexplained lethargy or sleeping through afternoon visits
- Confusion that appeared very suddenly over a few days
- Slurred speech or new difficulty holding a basic conversation
- Loss of appetite or a sudden lack of interest in favorite hobbies
These shifts can indicate that something is very wrong with the care your loved one is (or is not) receiving.
Accessing the medication administration record
Under the Illinois Nursing Home Care Act and federal regulations, residents have the right to be free from unnecessary drugs. Facilities generally can’t use antipsychotics solely for staff convenience or discipline. If you suspect something is wrong, you may be within your rights to see the Medication Administration Record.
This document, often called the MAR, tracks every pill and dose given to your loved one. Reviewing this record helps a resident or an authorized representative determine if a patient was receiving unnecessary medication.
Taking a stand for your loved one
Too many nursing home residents are given antipsychotic drugs without a proper diagnosis. Knowing how to spot these signs and which records to request puts the power back in your hands. You are your parent’s best advocate and can take action to ensure they receive the respectful care they deserve.
