How to Recognize and Address Wrong Medication in Nursing Homes: Advice from a Tampa Lawyer
It is very likely that residents in a nursing home are taking some form of prescription medication, and very often multiple forms of such medication. Administering the proper medication, the proper dosage and to the correct resident is the nursing home’s responsibility. A failure to do so is a form of abuse. If you believe that your loved one may be receiving incorrect medication, a Tampa nursing home attorney can help.
A Tampa Nursing Home Lawyer Explains the Types of Medication Errors
With multiple medications in play, any number of errors can occur, but some of the typical ones that an experienced Tampa nursing home attorney often sees include:
- Incorrect medication
- Incorrect dosage
- Overmedication, which, as your Tampa nursing home attorney can tell you, may include the administration of anti-psychotic drugs when not necessary and not prescribed
- A failure to properly monitor prescription drug interactions, including drug-to-drug reactions, drug to food reactions and drug to supplement reactions
- A failure to ensure that a patient actually takes his or her medication
The Cause of Medication Errors
As explained by a Tampa nursing home lawyer can explain, the cause of medication errors is primarily either due to an understaffed nursing home facility, an improperly trained nursing home staff or perhaps both. The nursing home has a legal duty to each patient to ensure that proper care is provided.
A Tampa Nursing Home Attorney Discusses the Potential Consequences to the Patient
The underlying reason the patient is a resident must be the first consideration, but common medication error effects include:
- Allergic reactions
- Major organ issues, including the heart, liver and kidneys
- Significant weight loss or gain
- Psychological issues
Contact a Tampa Nursing Home Lawyer for Legal Counsel
While providing proper medication to nursing home residents may seem like a basic and fundamental part of care, do not assume that your family member or loved one is receiving what is required. You must be an advocate on their behalf. Be observant when you visit. If you have reason to suspect anything less than proper care, call Tampa nursing home attorney Peter Giroux at (727) 895-5399.