My mother currently lives in a Tennessee nursing home. She suffers from dementia, but seems so much worse since becoming a resident there. How can I tell if she is being overmedicated?

You have good reason to be concerned, especially if your mother seems more lethargic or even unresponsive when you see her. Some nursing homes prescribe antipsychotic drugs (intended for treating schizophrenia and bipolar disorder) to keep their patients subdued. Unfortunately, the FDA has warned that these drugs can be lethal to dementia patients.

Here are some things you can do right away:

If your mother continues to exhibit these signs on your next visit, speak to the nursing director and administrator in charge at the facility. Explain your concerns and ask to be informed about any changes in her behavior and/or status immediately.
Ask for and get a written copy of any and all drugs prescribed for your mother.
Take this list of drugs to her primary physician and ask questions about each one and why it was prescribed. Do the same thing with the Medical Director of the facility where she resides.
Ask about how your mother’s behaviors are addressed without using drugs. The facility should be able to show how they implement non-drug interventions. This information should also be on her chart.
If you are not satisfied with the explanations you receive from any or all of the parties in question, you may want to take up the situation with the Tennessee Department of Health Board of Nursing Home Administrators.

If you still have questions about your mother’s condition or need legal advice, please contact the Tennessee nursing home abuse experts at Greer Injury Lawyers in Memphis. We offer a free case consultation.