Medication use in nursing homes for elderly people

Prescribing pattern of psychotropic drugs in nursing home residents with dementia

“…As has been stated in an earlier study, ADM is not frequently prescribed in Dutch nursing homes (Zuidema et al, 2007a); lack of awareness of recent effect studies on ADM and NPS might account for this discrepancy. At the same time, according to our study, NPS show both under-and overuse of PDs, as has been found in a previous study (Furniss et al, 1998). In their review, Furniss et al (1998) concluded that nursing home residents with dementia are prescribed more PDs than patients living at home, suggesting that nursing home residents are prone to PD overuse.…”

“…At the same time, according to our study, NPS show both under-and overuse of PDs, as has been found in a previous study (Furniss et al, 1998). In their review, Furniss et al (1998) concluded that nursing home residents with dementia are prescribed more PDs than patients living at home, suggesting that nursing home residents are prone to PD overuse. These results suggest that efforts to screen residents for inadequate PDU should be undertaken.…”

Making sure the residents get their tablets: medication administration in care homes for older people

“…The reasons given by nurses for the practice of medication alteration included the physical and behavioural characteristics of residents, maintaining continuity of experience and to minimizing cost of medications, often at the request of the resident's family. Confirming the observation of Furness et al. (1998) about the number of medications consumed by residents in homes for older people, the large number of medications taken by some residents (Paradiso et al.…”

Aggressive behaviour by people with dementia in residential care settings: a review

“…Anecdotal evidence suggests that tranquilizing drugs are still frequently employed to manage aggressive behaviour. This impression is supported by studies that indicate excessive prescription of anti‐psychotic drugs within care facilities for people with dementia (Furniss et al . 1998, Bullock 2004), but there is little direct information as to whether these are actually being used as the treatment of first resort, or what, if any, alternative management strategies are being adopted.…”