Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Residents Drugged with “Chemical Restraints” for Easier Handling in California Nursing Home
People suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia need special attention when they are admitted to a nursing home. They may suffer from bowel and bladder incontinence, repetitive verbal and nonverbal behaviors, wandering, paranoia, and other dramatic personality changes. Sufferers can become extremely agitated and can hallucinate especially in the late afternoon or evenings.
According to reports, in February, 2009 three top-level employees of the nursing home facility at Kern Valley Healthcare District located near Bakersfield, California, were arrested. Each one was charged with eight felony counts of causing harm or death to an elder or dependent adult.
The charges stem from a two-year investigation into the nursing home operations. Investigators learned that 22 separate Alzheimer or dementia residents were intentionally overdosed with psychotropic drugs – sometimes called “chemical restraints” - such as Depacote, Zyprexa, Resperidol and Seroquel. These medications were administered after the resident was deemed just too bothersome by the staff. As would be expected, the patients would sometimes argue, make noise, or just act in a manner that was not perfectly orderly. After all, they had Alzheimer’s!
The investigation revealed that the drugs were given without consent – and without any authorization - from the residents or the residents’ families. The drugs were sprinkled on the victims’ food without any knowledge by the residents. In some cases, the victims were even forcibly held down while being injected with the drugs. Three residents may have actually died from these drug overdoses.
Folks, there are major, major problems in nursing homes that are being uncovered every day. It's time for our communities to stop tolerating this behavior. Profits for nursing home corporations are not more important than people.
When lives have been devastated, The Michael Jeffcoat Firm works for nursing home residents and their families. We vigorously prosecute those who have inflicted these injuries upon loved ones. For more information, just call 1-800-827-7898.
