Kansas has more than 300 nursing homes, and collectively that rank among the worst in the country when it comes to administering antipsychotic drugs to patients with dementia.
A federal report shows that while prescription rates nationwide dropped 17 percent, the rates have risen in Kansas, according to KSN News in Wichita, Kansas.
“Not only are we doing a really poor job in the way we are using these drugs, we’re getting worse,” Mitzki McFatrich of Kansas Advocates for Better Care told KSN.
When asked for comment by the news station, the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services released a statement that revolved around its fear of second-guessing doctor’s decisions.
But studies show the drugs can be harmful to dementia patients, adding a higher risk of death, according to the news network.
Kansas ranks 47th out of 50 states in terms of overuse, according to KSN.
Advocates insist that better staffing and training could help solve the problem.
“It really is a joint effort that has to happen between facilities staffing adequately training their staff,” McFatrich told KSN. “And the state holding them accountable for what they’re not already doing.”
Advocates say the problem is widespread, KSN reported.
The Kosieradzki • Smith Law Firm represents clients in cases involving catastrophic injury caused by nursing homes and other care facilities that fail to provide proper care, including medication abuse and errors. If you believe your loved one has been harmed due neglect or abuse in a nursing home, take action and contact the Kosieradzki • Smith Law Firm online or call us toll-free at (877) 552-2873 to set up a no-cost, no-obligation consultation.
