May 22, 2014 in News Nursing Home Negligence

Nursing Home Negligence: Dangerously high use of antipsychotic drugs in Ontario nursing homes

[caption id="attachment_5475" align="alignleft" width="300"] (Photo credit: mokra/SXC)[/caption] It's expected that the world will see an influx of seniors within the next few years with baby boomers aging. Many of the elderly need to decide whether they will continue living at home, move in with their children or move into a long-term care facility option, such as retirement homes or nursing homes. Wherever our parents move to, we always want to ensure that they're well taken care of. Senior homes have faced media scrutiny for a variety of issues, including the deadly blaze in a Quebec senior home, aggression in nursing home residents resulting in multiple deaths and elder abuse. The latest Toronto Star investigation adds to the growing concerns about senior homes with the investigation discovering that potentially lethal antipsychotic drugs have been used frequently to control dementia patients. According to the investigation, about half of the residents in more than 40 senior living facilities are given medication that is not approved by Health Canada for their use, which includes drugs such as olanzapine and quetiapine. These anti-psychotic drugs carry a "black box" warning, which means they have serious adverse reactions. Studies have shown that when they're prescribed to seniors with dementia, they have a greater chance of dying, and an increased risk of a stroke or a mini-stroke. According to the investigation, the Toronto's Elm Grove nursing home has 56 per cent of its residents using antipsychotic drugs, Bourget's Caressant Care, has 73 per cent of its residents using antipsychotic drugs and Long Sault's Woodland Villa have 65 per cent of its residents using antipsychotic drugs. While these numbers include residents with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, which antipsychotics can be prescribed to treat, about 63 per cent of seniors living in these long-term care facilities are diagnosed with dementia. Also, some of these facilities also have residents who are under the age of 65 with mental health issues. Antipsychotic drugs have been used to help control aggressive patients who are acting out, the president of the Ontario Association of Non-Profit Homes and Services for Seniors told the Toronto Star, but research conducted by the Canadian Institute for Health Information discovered that one third of seniors are using these drugs, even when they haven't been prescribed them. Long-term care homes are expected to provide a clean and safe living environment for seniors. Seniors have the right to expect as much independent living as possible and they should have the right to privacy, dignity and individuality. If residents or loved ones feel that someone living in a long-term care home is not receiving proper treatment or have concerns, they can file a complaint or speak with someone with the Long-term Care Action Line at 1-888-434-0144. The personal injury and accident lawyers at Neinstein Personal Injury Lawyers can help ensure that long-term care home residents are receiving proper care. They have been handling all types of injuries for over 40 years. We understand the impacts wrongful death can have on your life and we know how to help you. Call us at 416-920-4242. Set up a free consultation and come talk with us.