Advocacy in Action (April 2024): The Abuse of Antipsychotic Medication

Libby Hastings • April 8, 2024

The latest data from the Long-Term Care Community Coalition paints a troubling picture of the prevalence of antipsychotic drug use among nursing home residents nationwide. Shockingly, over 250,000 residents are being administered these dangerous drugs, often without clinical justification. Antipsychotic drugs are too frequently used as chemical restraints, particularly among individuals with dementia or dementia-related diagnoses. Instead of receiving the services they are entitled to under federal law to live comfortably, residents are being sedated, robbing them of their autonomy and quality of life. 


Antipsychotics are drugs that are used to treat symptoms of psychosissuch as delusions (for example, hearing voices), hallucinations, paranoia, or confused thoughts. They are used in the treatment of schizophrenia, severe depression and severe anxiety. 


In Kansas, the situation is no less alarming. Approximately 117 nursing facilities out of 300 in our state have 20% or more of their residents on antipsychotic medication. CMS Region 7 (serves Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, and Kansas) had the highest regional rate (24.7%). This misuse of medication not only violates the rights of residents but also puts their health and well-being at risk with potentially severe consequences.


Antipsychotic drugs are associated with a host of adverse outcomes in older adults, including heart attacks, strokes, Parkinsonism, falls, and even death. It is clear that the overuse of these drugs constitutes a serious threat to the safety and dignity of nursing home residents.


Furthermore, the data from the Long-Term Care Community Coalition underscores the need for increased oversight and accountability within the long-term care industry. The fact that non-risk-adjusted data show such a high prevalence of antipsychotic drug use, coupled with a significant increase in potentially fraudulent schizophrenia diagnoses (194% increase between 2015 and 2019), is deeply concerning. 


In the "Final Report of the Kansas Senior Care Task Force to the 2023 Kansas Legislature", the Kansas Senior Care Task Force, consisting of legislative and non-legislative members, recommended leveraging technology to connect highly specialized geriatric psychiatric prescribers across the state for consultation. The task force also recommended improving upon existing standard training and education by providing targeted education for surveyors, direct care workers, providers, prescribers, long-term care providers and caregivers on the use of prescribed psychotropic medication for older adults with dementia or geriatric behavior health conditions. 


We encourage all individuals to utilize the data provided by the Long-Term Care Community Coalition. In the data spreadsheet, you can filter by state and county. 


Thank you for your ongoing support in our mission to advocate for the rights and well-being of those in long-term care.


Alarming Rate of Antipsychotic Drugging in US Nursing Homes

Advocacy in Action (September 2025): KABC Testifies on FY26 Budgets

By Libby Hastings • September 3, 2025
Dan Goodman, KABC Executive Director, recently provided testimony to both the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) during their Fiscal Year 2026 budget hearings. Our message was clear: Kansas must invest in systems that protect the dignity, independence, and well-being of older Kansans. Key Recommendations from KABC Protect Access to In-Home Services • Projected shortfalls of $27M in FY26 and $70M in FY27 threaten the HCBS Frail Elderly Waiver. • Without funding, older Kansans may face a waitlist for services, leading to premature nursing home placement. Strengthen Care Coordination • Frail Elderly, Physically Disabled, and Brain Injury waiver recipients currently lack dedicated case management. • KABC urged implementation of the long-overdue $20M Community Care Coordination Service. Improve Oversight & Resident Protections (KDADS) • Surveyor vacancies are near 50%, delaying inspections and weakening resident protections. • We called for wage increases and innovative staffing models to close gaps in oversight. Increase the Personal Needs Allowance • Nursing home residents in Kansas receive only $62/month for personal expenses. • KABC supports raising this allowance—closer to the $70 national average—and tying it to cost-of-living adjustments. Continue the Statewide Senior Resource Guide (KDADS) • KABC requested $150,000 to maintain and distribute the statewide guide annually. • This investment ensures older Kansans have access to accurate, trusted information on care and services. Why It Matters By 2030, more than 20% of Kansans will be age 65 or older. Budget decisions made today will directly impact whether older Kansans can age with dignity, safety, and independence. Read KABC’s full testimonies to KDADS here and KDHE here .

Facility #2, 3, 4, and 5, Interview with Steve

September 2, 2025
Steve shares his journey through multiple long-term care facilities after a major surgery, describing repeated medication errors, poor food quality, untrained staff, and systemic neglect. His story highlights how understaffing, weak oversight, and profit-driven management leave residents without advocacy and dignity.