Chemical Restraints are Dangerous and Even Deadly for Seniors

In a recent report from the American Association for Justice entitled "Standing Up for Seniors: How the Civil Justice System Protects Elderly Americans," it addressed the issue of a dangerous form of elderly abuse going on in nursing homes that is increasing in frequency. The abuse comes in the form of chemical restraints, namely psychotropic drugs that control behavior and sedate the person.

These drugs are the equivalent of a chain and muzzle and accomplish the same thing. When a person becomes loud or hard to control, giving them a drug to keep them quiet is a simple solution, especially if the facility is already understaffed. The use of antipsychotic drugs for chemical restraining has caused numerous problems like falling, delirium, confusion, problems that the elderly person otherwise may not have been experienced.

An Unfortunate Example

This case involved an elderly gentleman who had senile dementia. Before he entered the nursing home people described him as being lively and energetic, but he was also grumpy. His grumpiness created too much havoc for the nursing home staff and he was placed on two different antipsychotic drugs and was categorized as a psychotic in need of chemical restraint. He became catatonic.

He soon stopped eating and drinking normally and lost weight at a rapid pace. He became confused and drowsy most of the time and his energetic self was seen no more. He was easier for the staff to handle now but the spirit of him had died. Further physical complications ensued and he became incontinent needing a catheter. He died of an infection from the catheter being inserted incorrectly.

Seek Competent Legal Help

If you have a loved one in the St. Louis area who you suspect is experiencing nursing home abuse, you should contact a competent St. Louis personal injury lawyer to help you. At Meyerkord & Meyerkord, we have successfully helped many clients with nursing home abuse situations as well as nursing home neglect. We are skilled, caring, compassionate and aggressive when it comes to servicing our clients and will do all in our power to correct the injustice and hold those responsible for the abuse accountable for their actions.

Approximately 30% of all nursing homes in the U.S. have had some sort of abuse problem at one time or another. The elderly are vulnerable and defenseless in many ways and need family to watch out for their well being. Working with a firm who knows what to look for and what questions to ask will enable you to more quickly diffuse the dangerous situation your loved one may be involved in.

Contact a St. Louis nursing home abuse attorney in our office for a free initial consultation and we will answer any questions you may have.