Medication Errors in Nursing Homes: How They Harm Residents

Medication management is one of the most critical aspects of care in nursing homes, where residents often rely on multiple prescriptions to manage chronic conditions. However, medication errors are alarmingly common, and their consequences can be severe, even life-threatening. From incorrect dosages to administering the wrong drug, these mistakes can lead to serious health complications, hospitalizations, and even death.

In this article, we will explore the causes of medication errors in nursing homes, their impact on residents, and what families can do to protect their loved ones.

What Are Medication Errors?

A medication error occurs when a drug is incorrectly prescribed, dispensed, or administered in a way that could cause harm to the patient. These errors can happen at any stage of the medication process, from prescription and preparation to delivery and monitoring.

According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), medication errors in nursing homes contribute to thousands of preventable deaths each year, making them one of the biggest safety concerns in long-term care facilities.

Common Causes of Medication Errors in Nursing Homes

Several factors contribute to high rates of medication errors in nursing homes. These facilities care for a large number of residents, many of whom have complex medical needs. Some of the most common causes of errors include:

1. Staff Shortages and Undertraining

Many nursing homes are understaffed, leading to rushed medication administration and increased chances of mistakes. Additionally, some staff members are not adequately trained in handling medications, especially when it comes to complex drug regimens.

2. Miscommunication Among Care Providers

Medication errors often occur due to poor communication between doctors, nurses, and caregivers. Illegible handwriting, incorrect transcription, and missing medical records can all result in residents receiving the wrong medication or incorrect dosages.

3. Incorrect Dosages

Giving a resident too much or too little of a medication can have serious health consequences. Overdosing can cause toxicity, while underdosing can make treatment ineffective, leading to worsening health conditions.

4. Administering the Wrong Medication

Confusing one medication with another is more common than many realize, especially when drugs have similar names or packaging. Without proper checks, a resident may receive a drug meant for another patient or one that interacts dangerously with their existing medications.

5. Failing to Consider Drug Interactions

Many nursing home residents take multiple medications (polypharmacy). Some drugs can cause dangerous interactions when taken together, leading to serious side effects, organ damage, or even life-threatening conditions like respiratory failure or heart complications.

6. Skipping or Delaying Doses

Nursing home staff may forget to give medications on time, or they may intentionally skip doses due to a lack of understanding about the drug’s importance. Missing medications can lead to disease progression, withdrawal symptoms, or severe complications.

7. Allergic Reactions

If a resident has a known allergy to a certain drug but is mistakenly given it, the results can be severe or fatal. A lack of proper documentation of allergies can lead to anaphylaxis, breathing difficulties, and emergency hospitalizations.

The Consequences of Medication Errors in Nursing Homes

Medication errors can have serious and lasting effects on nursing home residents, including:

1. Worsening Health Conditions

Residents depend on their medications to control chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and dementia. When medications are given incorrectly, these conditions can quickly deteriorate, leading to hospitalizations or permanent complications.

2. Severe Side Effects and Reactions

A medication error can cause dizziness, confusion, falls, bleeding, organ failure, or seizures, all of which can be life-threatening for elderly residents. Some reactions may require immediate emergency intervention.

3. Increased Risk of Falls and Injuries

Certain medications affect balance, coordination, and cognition. If a resident receives the wrong dosage or combination of drugs, they may become disoriented, weak, or drowsy, significantly increasing their risk of falling and suffering fractures or head injuries.

4. Hospitalization and Increased Medical Costs

Many medication errors lead to emergency medical treatment and extended hospital stays. These incidents not only compromise the resident’s health but also place a financial burden on families due to increased medical expenses.

5. Death Due to Overdose or Critical Mistakes

In severe cases, overdoses, untreated medical conditions, or dangerous drug interactions can result in fatal outcomes. Nursing home negligence in administering medications has been linked to preventable deaths, leading to wrongful death lawsuits and legal actions against facilities.

How Families Can Protect Their Loved Ones from Medication Errors

If you have a loved one in a nursing home, you can take proactive steps to help prevent medication errors and ensure their safety.

1. Review Their Medication List Regularly

• Request a detailed list of all medications your loved one is taking.
• Check for any duplicate prescriptions, incorrect dosages, or potential drug interactions.
• Compare the list with what your loved one is actually receiving to ensure accuracy.

2. Ask About Staff Training and Policies

• Find out how nursing home staff are trained in medication management.
• Ask if medications are double-checked before being administered.
• Ensure the facility follows strict protocols for handling and tracking medications.

3. Monitor for Signs of Medication Errors

Watch for unusual symptoms such as:

• Sudden confusion or disorientation
• Excessive drowsiness or difficulty waking up
• Unexplained bruises or falls
• Worsening health conditions
• Increased pain or discomfort

If you notice any of these issues, speak to the nursing home staff immediately.

4. Keep Communication Open with Doctors and Nurses

• Schedule regular meetings with doctors to review your loved one’s medications.
• Ensure medications are updated when their health conditions change.
• Request a second opinion if you suspect incorrect prescriptions or dosages.

5. Take Legal Action If Necessary

If a medication error has caused serious harm or death, you may need to consult a nursing home abuse attorney in Wisconsin who specializes in nursing home neglect and medical malpractice. Facilities can be held accountable for negligent medication management, and pursuing legal action can help prevent similar mistakes from happening to others.

Medication errors in nursing homes are a serious and widespread problem that puts residents’ lives at risk. Whether due to staff shortages, miscommunication, or lack of proper oversight, these mistakes can cause severe injuries, health complications, and even wrongful death.

Families must stay involved, ask questions, and advocate for their loved ones to ensure they receive proper medical care. By being proactive, you can help protect your loved one from the devastating effects of medication errors and hold negligent facilities accountable.

If you suspect a medication error has harmed your loved one, consider speaking with a top-rated Milwaukee personal injury attorney to explore your legal options.