California Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Blog
A recent investigation in Michigan exposed the number of nursing home facilities in the state that were cited for significant medication errors. The resulting data from the investigation demonstrated that patients within nursing homes either failed to receive enough medication, were administered too much medication, or were administered incorrect medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reported that medication errors were responsible for injuring approximately 1.3 million people in the United States annually. Given the fact that many elderly individuals commonly take many prescription medications to treat various ailments and conditions, it is imperative that these individuals are provided with correct medication and dosages. The medications that are prescribed to these patients may be critical and vital to their well-being, and may make the difference between life and death.
The investigation noted several examples of medication errors taking place within these facilities. For example, one elderly man entered a nursing home facility for rehabilitation after receiving treatment for his abnormal heartbeat. However, he entered a diabetic coma and passed away after the nursing home failed to treat his diabetes, even though the nursing home knew the elderly resident was a diabetic. Another example involved an elderly woman who died from hypoglycemic brain failure after the nurse accidentally administered her roommate’s medication to her. Furthermore, while one elderly resident was prescribed eleven prescription medications to treat her medical conditions, she failed to receive any of these medications for over a week. The nursing home facility had come to realize their mistake only when the resident’s daughter brought this oversight to their attention. Other tragic cases that have resulted in resident death involved administering residents medication to which they were allergic, or failing to administer prescribed medication.
Situations like this are unfortunate and deplorable examples of nursing home neglect, and are highly preventable. While this particular investigation took place in the state of Michigan, the dangers that occur with medication errors are pervasive issues that arise within health care facilities in operation throughout the nation. Those who enter or place their loved ones into these health care facilities expect that medical staff will monitor these residents closely and provide for their medical needs. Many have attributed these errors and failures to factors such as inadequate staffing and training, and lack of physician involvement. However, the care and well-being of your loved ones cannot be compromised for the sake of low costs and profits, and such shortcomings in the administration of medical care are inexcusable. If you believe your loved one has been injured or harmed as a result of nursing home neglect, we encourage you to contact the attorneys at the Law Offices of Ben Yeroushalmi. Our passionate team firmly believes that your loved one’s well-being should be prioritized and that residents and patients within such facilities should receive proper, individualized care. We serve cities all across Northern and Southern California. Contact us today at (888) 606-3453 for a free consultation.
