Hospice Worker Accused of Overmedicating Patient
A 19-year-old worker at a Virginia hospice facility has been arrested for overmedicating a patient. Julie Ann Fischer is accused of putting a crushed pill into the patient's food in order to put him to sleep. The charge is a class three felony and carries up to 20 years in prison. This case highlights the prevalent problem of overmedication in nursing homes, hospices, and assisted living facilities.
Overmedication frequently occurs because nursing home workers and administrators try to cut corners by using medication to keep residents sedate and lighten their workload. This deplorable practice is a violation of patients' rights and can lead to serious problems.
In addition to impairing the resident's ability to function, overmedication can lead to a variety of health problems, including diabetes, thyroid dysfunction, central nervous system disorders, and organ damage.
Family members should keep themselves informed about the kinds of medication their loved ones are taking and the reasons for them. If you do not understand why your loved one is on a particular medication, ask for an explanation from the nurse or consult their primary care physician. In addition, you should watch out for signs of overmedication, such as sudden, unexplained decreases in energy and activity.
For more information on issues facing nursing home, hospice, and assisted living residents, visit the Nursing Home Advocates.
