Nursing Home Neglect Can Result in Opioid Abuse

Opioid addiction is an epidemic across the nation, but it is not usually associated with senior citizens. However, because seniors undergo more surgeries including hip replacements or other procedures which require pain treatment, opioid addiction among the elderly is on the rise.

Because seniors are sometimes shuffled between hospitals and nursing home facilities they are often cared for by multiple physicians and caretakers who may not be tracking their prescription drug intake – an issue of nursing home neglect.

On top of oversights in the process, nursing homes often fail to provide elderly residents with substance abuse counseling when they are taking prescription meds and do not train staff adequately to be on the look out for problems.

Negligent care can very well lead to abuse or misuse of these powerful painkillers, which can set seniors up for addiction leading to serious health issues or even death.

A recent report found that millions of older Americans receive prescriptions for commonly abused opioids so the potential for problems is significant. Increased diligence on the part of nursing home doctors and caretakers is crucial to prevent seniors from harm.

Contact an Iowa Nursing Home Neglect Lawyer
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If you or a family member has been a victim of nursing home negligence, call an experienced Iowa nursing home neglect lawyer, John T. Hemminger, for assistance today at 515-283-2116 or email us through this website.