People who need assistance with the daily activities of life may move into a nursing home
where they can have the staff members help them with those activities. While most people
think about things like assistance with mobility, hygiene and meals, medication
management is another task that they may need help with.
Medication plays a major role in nursing home care, so it’s critical that it’s managed
properly. Some residents may have several prescriptions, so things like changes in dosage,
timing or drug combinations are often possible.
What happens when medication is mismanaged?
Medication mismanagement can involve missed doses, incorrect medications, duplicate
doses or poor monitoring. In some cases, mismanaged medications can lead to the
resident becoming withdrawn, restless, confused, drowsy, restless or weak. It can also
lead to significant medical harm.
Family members may be among the first people to notice that something is amiss.
Common warning signs include the resident having unexplained falls, dizziness, changes
in speech, new tremors, unusual agitation, changes in sleep patterns or loss of appetite.
Sometimes, physical symptoms like low blood pressure, bruising or dehydration might be
concerns.
What can family members do to minimize the risk of medication mismanagement?
It is the nursing home’s responsibility to ensure that medications are managed properly,
but family members can still play a pivotal role in helping to keep a resident safe. A trusted
family member should keep a record of all medications the resident is taking. The record
should include the name, dose, frequency, and reason for the medication. It may be
beneficial to keep copies of discharge papers and medical records.
In Illinois, concerns about nursing homes, including medical mismanagement, can be
reported the state authorities. These reports should be comprehensive so the authorities
can investigate properly and take action when necessary. If a resident’s medications aren’t
managed correctly and they suffer harm, a legal claim may also be warranted. This can be
a challenging undertaking, so working with a legal professional who can build the case and
get it moving forward may help to minimize the stress and injustice associated with the
situation.