Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Understaffed and overmedicated


Every day in Texas, thousands of nursing home residents are given antipsychotic medications that sedate them mentally and physically. There is often no medical need for this treatment and families aren’t always consulted. Thousands of AARP members agree this practice must end and have signed our petition.
It's not just about unnecessary drugs. These sedating medications have side effects that are particularly harmful for older, frail individuals with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. This category of drug carries an FDA "black box warning," designed to call attention to serious and potentially life-threatening risks.
When these drugs are given to individuals, they act as chemical restraints. This keeps residents docile, which could be convenient for an overburdened staff. This abuse of our most vulnerable citizens must be stopped – and you can help. Sign the AARP Texas petition to tell elected officials this practice must stop!
Sincerely,
Bob Jackson
AARP Texas

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