“Eldercare”: A Pernicious Misnomer
Image by Eduardo Barrios via Unsplash
A recently published New York Times article titled “Phony Diagnoses Hide High Rates of Drugging at Nursing Homes” is shedding light on the excessive administration of antipsychotic medications in nursing homes across the country.
These antipsychotic drugs are proven effective for treatment of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. But, the unnecessary administration of these medications to those without psychotic disorders often contributes to the onset of severe negative effects, including heart disorders, infections, and death. Today, these antipsychotic drugs, colloquially known as “chemical straightjackets”, are being given to over one in five nursing home residents.
On this podcast, HealthCetera correspondent and public health nurse Barbara Glickstein, MPH, MS, RN, discusses the overuse of antipsychotic drugs in nursing home facilities with gerontologist and palliative care expert Sheria Robinson-Lane, PhD, RN, MHA.
This interview first aired on HealthCetera in the Catskills on WIOX radio on September 22nd, 2021.
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Image by Eduardo Barrios via Unsplash
