How to Handle Nursing Home Medication Problems

Watching a loved one adapt to a nursing home can be a frustrating experience to someone who feels he can't help. It's important to learn the procedures in a nursing home to be helpful in keeping a family member or close friend comfortable and safe.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Visit at different times of the day unexpectedly. Ask what the medication schedule is and keep a log of the type, dose and general state of the patient on the days you visit. Get to know the staff, including the nurses and aides who administer the drugs.
2. Educate yourself by running the medication list and doses by the patient's regular family doctor for a second opinion. Pay special attention to sleeping pills and vitamins given to all patients that may not be appropriate or needed.
3. Investigate potentially conflicting medications. For example, some drugs inhibit the absorption of Alzheimer's medications.
4. Use the nursing facilities regular procedure first for presenting any disputes you have and then go up the chain of command if you don't get a prompt response. Speak to the head nurse and then the medical doctor on staff and the administrator of the nursing home. Have the staff psychiatrist order blood level tests if you want further information to verify your concerns.
5. Get legally aggressive and contact the Department of Health or a local attorney who specializes in elderly advocacy if you do not get a response. Consider contacting your local television station's investigative reporter division as well.