Antipsychotic Drug Use In Nursing Homes Has Decreased Drastically In Wisconsin

Drugs Have Been Used As Method Of 'Chemical Restraint'

By
Lukas Keapproth/Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism

Federal data shows use of antipsychotic drugs in nursing homes has decreased by nearly 19 percent since 2011. In Wisconsin, the controversial practice has been curtailed by an even larger amount, and it’s expected Wisconsin will meet national reduction goals.

Critics say antipsychotic drugs are sometimes used inappropriately for those with dementia. They call it “chemical restraint” and compare it to past use of physical restraints in nursing homes. Rob Gundermann is public policy director for Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin.

“The drugs are very infrequently needed and that’s the whole key,” he said. “They’re being used in cases where they shouldn’t be.”

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In data released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Wisconsin was ranked fourth-lowest in use of antipsychotic medications for long-stay nursing home residents.

Gundermann said one reason is a state law passed in 2011 that required written consent of family members.

“What we were finding was that they were being prescribed and the family wasn’t aware of the black box warning saying these medications aren’t safe for people with dementia, they’re not approved for people with dementia,” said Gundermann.

Wisconsin has reduced use of such drugs in nursing homes more than 23 percent since 2011. The National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care in Nursing Homes has a national reduction goal of 30 percent by 2016.