More than 80% of adults over 57 years old take at least one medication per day. Many drugs have side effects, so physicians and caretakers are responsible for administering correct doses. Medical malpractice occurs when a patient receives too much medicine from a medical professional. Older adults in assisted living facilities and nursing homes are particularly vulnerable to overmedication. Find out how to protect your loved one in the guide below.

What Is Overmedication?

There are two main categories of overmedication: unnecessary prescriptions and excessively high dosages.

When an incorrect medication is given to supplement another, physicians end up treating a drug’s side effects or its interaction with another medicine instead of the actual health condition. In many instances, simply making dosage adjustments or trying a different brand may have been a more effective solution than prescribing additional medicine.

A person can also be overmedicated when a health professional gives them too much of their prescription. The prescribed dosage may be too high or the pharmacist, nurse, or caregiver could make a mistake when handling the medication. It’s also possible that the caretaker is administering too much of a drug to keep the patient sedated and easily manageable. 

How Can You Protect Your Loved One?

In all instances, overmedication can lead to physical and mental consequences that reduce a person's quality of life. Keep an eye out for signs of medication problems, including:

• Fatigue

• Cognitive impairment

• Physical instability

• Mood changes

• Delusions

• Pain

• Gastrointestinal issues

While some of these symptoms are common when adjusting to new prescriptions, they shouldn't last for more than a couple of weeks. If your loved one complains of these side effects, meet with a medical malpractice attorney to determine the next steps. The professional may recommend reaching out to a medical professional to review the situation.

Providing a list of medications and supplements your loved one takes to their doctors, specialists, and nurses may also reduce the risk of accidental interactions. Visit your loved one in assisted living frequently to identify changes in behavior and bring up any concerns with their caretakers.

If you believe your loved one has been overmedicated in an assisted living facility, review your legal options by reaching out to Egan & Richgels, S.C. in La Crosse County, WI. This firm offers services in multiple areas of personal injury law, including medical malpractice. The attorneys interact closely with clients and always provide honest, personalized counsel. Learn more about their work with nursing home negligence online, and book a consultation by calling (608) 784-0087.