The majority of Philadelphia nursing homes utilize Medicare and Medicaid to supplement resident payments. Because of that, these facilities are subjected to regular inspections.
Most of Philly’s 57 licensed nursing homes receive high ratings. Holy Family Home, Philadelphia Protestant Home, and Willowcrest are among the most highly regarded.
Unfortunately, not every nursing home earns rave reviews. There are several long-term care facilities that do not live up to their obligations. A common problem is with medication errors. These errors can trigger adverse drug reactions, unexpected hospitalizations, and cognitive decline. In extreme cases, it can also lead to a wrongful death.
If a medication error causes any level of harm, it must be reported, and the facility must be held accountable. An experienced Philadelphia nursing home abuse attorney can play a critical role as a powerful advocate for the family of a nursing home resident who has suffered due to negligence.
Common Types of Nursing Home Medication Mistakes
The average Philadelphia nursing home has a capacity of 125 beds with around a daily census of 100 to 106 residents. The majority of those residents are most likely to be on some form of doctor-prescribed medication. There could also be additional supplements recommended by their doctor. All of that requires a flawless distribution plan.
When there are medication errors, it could be because of the following administrative and managerial reasons:
Wrong Medication
Many prescription medication pills look the same. They can also come with confusing brands and generic names. If staff are not paying close attention, residents can get the wrong prescription.
Wrong Dose
Making a resident get the right medication also means the right dosage. Administering too much or too little of a drug often leads to adverse side effects.
Missed or Delayed Doses
If a nursing home is understaffed, there could be gaps in providing scheduled medication. Depending on the medication, even one missed dosage can cause major health complications.
Incorrect Delivery Technique
Every prescribed medication comes with specific delivery instructions. A resident might not always remember those instructions and instead rely on staff to provide the proper delivery route. There is a significant difference between crushing up medication versus taking a time-released pill.
There might also be instructions on shaking liquid medication or on taking medication with food or fluids. These can all lead to problems.
Uncaught Drug Interactions
It is not uncommon for one resident to be prescribed multiple medications for various ailments. These medications can be prescribed by different practitioners. If nursing home staff are unaware of potential dangerous physical reactions, it could trigger harmful side effects.
No matter what type of error occurs, they all have one thing in common: They’re preventable. If it can be established that an error occurred, it is a clear sign of negligence that demands accountability.
Identifying Warning Signs of Medication Negligence
Your visits to your loved one in their nursing home are greatly appreciated. It’s a chance for you to connect with them and make them feel cared for. It is also a chance for you to review how the staff is caring for them. If it has been a week since you last saw them and there have been problems with their medications, you might see some of the following indicators:
- Sudden Confusion or Delirium
- Excessive Drowsiness
- Unsteadiness and Falls
- Gastrointestinal Distress
There could also be physical fluctuations, such as sudden blood pressure spikes, uncontrolled blood sugar levels, or unusual bruising or bleeding.
When you notice something is off, you’ll want to report your concerns to the facility management. At that point, you should review their prescription records to look for any discrepancies between their medication log and their doctor’s orders.
If the facility is unwilling to share those records, that would be considered a huge red flag.
That is when you want an experienced attorney to intervene. Your attorney can cut through the red tape and demand the records you’re entitled to.
How an Attorney Proves Nursing Home Neglect
Accusing a nursing home of neglect is a serious charge. If you file a complaint with the PA Department of Health, it will trigger an inspection that may ultimately correct the error.
Unfortunately, your loved one might be suffering from a medication error, which might have caused discomfort or worse. You’re entitled to seek compensation on their behalf for the suffering they endured. That is when you should speak with Shrager, Sachs, & Blanco.
We can call on our network of medical experts, pharmacists, and long-term care specialists to evaluate whether the facility followed proper medication protocols. There could also be issues with violations of federal or Pennsylvania nursing home regulations. We can become a fierce advocate for a family to ensure their loved one is cared for properly.
If the nursing home’s response is unsatisfactory, we might suggest filing a civil complaint against the nursing home and its owners.
If you believe a loved one suffered because of medication errors or other forms of nursing home neglect, the team at Shrager, Sachs, & Blanco is prepared to investigate the circumstances and protect your family’s rights.
Contact the firm today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options and learn how we can help your loved one.
