Old and overmedicated: the real drug problem in nursing homes.
Overprescribing of medications is a common problem in nursing homes. This two-part radio segment reports on the inappropriate use of antipsychotic medications as a chemical restraint for patients with dementia. The first part introduces the issue and includes insights from families that have experienced harm due to the practice. The second segment discusses programs that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has put in place to address the problem through a more patient-centered approach to care and suggests strengthening penalties against organizations that overuse antipsychotics.