Nursing facilities have the legal obligation to provide the best care possible to their residents, and that includes proper medication management. Unfortunately, medication errors are just as common – if not more prevalent – in nursing homes as they are in other health care facilities.
If you have a loved one in a nursing home, you know how important it is to review all aspects of their care. Medication errors can be difficult to spot, but these insights can tell you more about what you need to watch out for.
Medication errors and their consequences
Medication mistakes in nursing homes can happen in several ways, such as:
- Providing the wrong dosage
- Administering the medication incorrectly
- Prescribing the wrong medication
- Switching different residents’ medications
The health consequences of these errors can vary, ranging from mild side effects to serious complications. Nevertheless, these mistakes should never happen according to proper standards of care. This is especially true for facilities housing vulnerable individuals such as the elderly.
In worst cases, medication errors can lead to overdoses and other potentially fatal situations. They can also increase the risk of falls due to side effects, including dizziness or fatigue, and these falls can be extremely risky for older adults.
How neglect can cause medication errors in nursing homes
Nursing home neglect can stem from a variety of factors, including inadequate training, insufficient staffing and improper supervision. These challenges can lead to poor medication management.
For example:
- Overworked staff may rush through medication administration, therefore increasing the risk of errors.
- Inadequate supervision can lead to mistakes in the storage, preparation and administration of medications.
- Poor training can lead to a lack of knowledge and proper technique in medication management.
- Lack of accountability can lead to intentional negligence such as ignoring expiry dates or taking shortcuts when administering medication.
There are many ways neglect can cause medication errors, but one thing remains the same: Nursing homes and their staff must be accountable for any lapses that cause harm to residents.
Vigilance can help you protect your loved ones
When protecting your loved one from neglect, keeping track of their health plan is a good place to start. Watch out for strange medications, unusual symptoms and other things that might indicate a medication error.
If you suspect that your loved one is experiencing neglect, you may want to consult an attorney who can help you hold negligent entities accountable.
