Who else thinks the elderly are being over-medicated in nursing homes?

My mother had to go to short-term care and they put her on a drug for depression. I had them take her off and she improved,not before she had suffered. This really burned me so many have no one to speak up for them.

That's right, the elderly have become a good business for "big pharma". They cannot defend themselves...

well they could. i mean there is many people in them. they might have gotten the names mixed up. but i believe that nursing homes are there to show that not all people have to go through their adult years or elder years alone. they are there for anyone who wants to go and be taking care of by another person. i suggest that you visit as much as u can and take care of her yourself when needed. have a watchful eye and if anything goes wrong. go to the front office and ask, if they say "i dont know" . then find out yourself, hope this helps.

I know they are,I worked in nursing homes as an aide for awhile.I seen enough to make me never want to put my parents in one.Its sad there are so many of them that treat out elderly like dogs.I have seen things that would make you cry.

Most people who have had an illness or injury that puts them in a nursing home probably need an anti-depressant for a month or two. It is very hard for a normal person not to be depressed when health changes in the later years. If that is your only complaint, it could be much worse for your mother.

Some nursing homes (not all) do use too many drugs to control their patient's behaviors. Using an anti-depressant does not fall into that catagory.

Good luck with your mother and I hope she gets well and is able to go home soon.