Ensuring the safety and well-being of elderly residents in nursing homes is a critical concern for families and caregivers. Sadly, the use of chemical restraints, which are medications intended to control behavior rather than treat a medical condition, can sometimes be abused. Understanding how chemical restraints can be misused is important in protecting the rights and health of your loved ones. If you believe chemical restraints are being improperly used on your loved one, contact a lawyer.
Over-Medication
One of the most concerning forms of chemical restraint misuse is over-medication. Over-medication involves administering higher doses of drugs than what is medically necessary, often for the convenience of the nursing home staff. Such excessive use can lead to severe health complications, including cognitive impairment, increased risk of falls, and even life-threatening conditions such as respiratory failure.
Warning Signs of Over-Medication
Warnings may include:
- Frequent drowsiness – If a resident seems like he or she is always tired or excessively sleepy, it could be a sign of over-medication.
- Cognitive decline – Noticeable decline in memory, concentration, and communication abilities may indicate that the resident is being given too much medication.
- Physical weakness – Increased difficulty in moving around or performing daily activities may also be a red flag of potential over-medication.
Excessive Sedation
Excessive sedation involves using medications to keep residents unusually calm or unresponsive. While sedation may be necessary in some medical cases, misusing it to manage residents can lead to dangerous levels of inactivity and disengagement. This form of chemical strain can result in severe psychological and physical side effects, like depression and muscle atrophy.
Warning Signs of Excessive Sedation
Warnings may include:
- Minimal interaction – If a resident has become unusually quiet or disengaged from activities he or she once enjoyed, excessive sedation could be the cause.
- Unresponsiveness to stimuli – A lack of reaction to familiar people, conversations, or surroundings can indicate that a resident is overly sedated.
- Physical inactivity – Prolonged periods of immobility or inactivity may directly result from excessive sedation.
Unexplained Changes in Behavior
Unexplained shifts in behavior or demeanor are subtle yet significant indicators of chemical restraint misuse. Sudden changes in mood, personality, or social behaviors require a closer look at what is going on.
Warning Signs of Changes in Behavior
Warnings may include:
- Personality changes – If an outgoing and social resident becomes withdrawn or irritable, it may be a sign of chemical restraint misuse.
- Emotional instability – Sudden episodes of crying, anger, or fear without a clear cause could be linked to inappropriate medication use.
- Loss of appetite – Drastic changes in eating habits or noticeable weight loss might also indicate underlying issues with chemical restraints.
Contact Our Peoria, IL Nursing Home Chemical Restraint Lawyers
While chemical restraints do sometimes have a place in nursing homes, such restraints can be easily misused. If you think your loved one is suffering from the misuse of chemical restraints, contact the Peoria County, IL nursing home chemical restraint attorneys with Nursing Home Injury Center. Call 309-524-6900 for a complimentary consultation.
