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Why Medication Errors Are a Problem for Virginia Nursing Home Patients

Medication errors are just one of the many ways that nursing home residents can be abused or neglected by staff in Virginia. If you haven’t heard of medication errors being a problem in Virginia nursing homes, this is probably because the issue has not received much attention.

Suspect nursing home abuse or neglect in Virginia? Read our article How to File a Nursing Home Abuse Complaint in Virginia

Why are medication errors such a problem for Virginia nursing home patients – especially older ones?

  1. Many older nursing home residents take several medications, or may be on and off various medications at any given time. The more drugs a resident takes, the more likely they are to suffer from an adverse reaction – or the more likely they will not be given the correct dose at the correct time by nursing home staff.
  2. Changes in an elderly resident’s circulatory system mean a drug may be less effective over time. Blood circulation slows down in older residents, which means that it can take longer for a drug to circulate in the blood stream and take effect. Also, changes in blood plasma concentration means that more of the drug will be available in the blood, so less of the drug may be necessary. These conflicting effects of aging on the circulatory system can make it difficult for doctors to find the right balance of drugs for a resident, and if a resident complains staff may give too much or too little of a drug.
  3. Drugs that are meant to be inhaled may become less effective over time due to an elderly resident’s decreased lung function. This means a resident may need more of a drug for it to have an effect, however determining the right amount can be tricky.
  4. Neurological changes in an elderly resident means it could take longer than usual for a drug to have an effect. This may cause them to take more of a prescription than they should as they seek relief from symptoms, or harried staffers may give more than is safe to quiet a frustrated resident.
  5. Changes in an elderly patient’s endocrine system, digestive system, and urinary tract can have similar conflicting effects on drug efficacy. A drug that used to work well may not work anymore or may require higher doses, and a drug that used to require a high dose may need to be reduced to avoid adverse effects.

As you can see, an aging nursing home resident’s body can pose many challenges to their doctor and staff. The responsibility lies with the medical team and staff members to give residents the appropriate dose for their age and condition. Carelessness, negligence or understaffing can lead to a serious or deadly medication error.

Suspect your loved one was the victim of a negligent or abusive nursing home in Virginia?

Don’t be afraid to stand up and fight for your loved ones rights. The action you take to resolve their situation may help other elders just like them in the same or other Virginia nursing homes. Please contact our Norfolk office to discuss your case confidentially with a skilled, compassionate nursing home abuse or neglect attorney.

Weisberg & Zaleski, P.C.

112 College Place

Norfolk, VA 23510

Toll Free: (800) 690-0235

Phone: (757) 622-7740

Fax: (757) 533-9223




Michael S. Weisberg, P.C.
112 College Place
Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone: (757) 622-7740
Fax: (757) 533-9223
Toll Free: (800) 690-0235
Email: info@weislaw.com
www.weislaw.com