More and more reports of abuse in nursing homes are being filed in recent years, a widespread issue that can take many different forms.

A recent report of abuse in nursing homes showed one of these very serious problems: the systematic overmedication of people with dementia in order to keep patients docile and restrained.

This kind of antipsychotic misuse is extremely serious. The extensive report, released on Monday and reported by CNN, estimated that more than 179,000 people in nursing homes in the U.S. are given antipsychotic drugs despite not having been prescribed these medications.

The only patients who should be given such drugs are those with diagnoses for psychiatric problems like schizophrenia. For others, like elders with dementia, antipsychotics are being used as a “chemical restraint” to make residents pliant for the benefit of the staff.

This kind of abuse in nursing homes is extremely dangerous, and the family members of many residents have no idea the risk that this presents. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), antipsychotics are not safe for treating dementia symptoms, and in fact pose extreme health risks for patients with dementia. Indeed, the FDA warns that antipsychotics may double the risk of death in elderly patients with dementia.

Negligence and Abuse in Nursing Homes

The nursing home system in the United States has serious issues, and affects millions of Americans. There are approximately 50 million Americans over the age of 65 today. By 2060, this number is expected to double, making the potential pool of those harmed by abuse in nursing homes even larger than it is today. Negligence and abuse in nursing homes can also place these people at further risk. Sub-par care can seriously increase an elder’s risk of death.

Millions of older Americans may be suffering from negligence or abuse in nursing homes. Tragically, a large portion of these instances are never even reported to authorities.

The percentage of nursing home residents that suffer from negligence is shocking. One in every three nursing homes has been cited at least once for negligence. According to a 2000 study, 95 percent of nursing home residents reported that they themselves were abused or that they had seen another nursing home resident abused.

Being on the lookout for signs of nursing home negligence is essential to protect these vulnerable citizens. Signs of negligence are often small physical injuries or anomalies, including bed sores, dehydration, and chronic infections. These can indicate that they are not being taken care of on a regular basis.

Injuries caused by negligence in the nursing home can often include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Bed sores
• Pressure sores
• Fractures from falling
• Malnutrition
  Dehydration
• Chronic infections
• Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)

More signs of nursing home negligence can be found on our investigation page.

Filing a Lawsuit Over Abuse in Nursing Homes

If you believe someone you love has been harmed by abuse in nursing homes, from antipsychotic misuse to elder negligence, you may be able to pursue litigation.