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

5 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Long-Term Care Facility

May 21, 2025
Choosing a long-term care facility for yourself or a loved one is one of the most important decisions you can make. Beyond basic safety and cleanliness, the right facility should support a person’s independence, dignity, and overall quality of life. To help you make an informed choice, here are five essential questions to ask, along with key follow-ups that can give you a deeper sense of what daily life will be like at the facility. 1. How does the facility support independence and person-centered care? Person-centered care means that residents are active participants in their care and daily routines. Ask: Can residents choose when to wake up and go to bed? Are meals and activities tailored to individual preferences? Is there flexibility for “early birds” and “night owls”? Look for signs that staff respect residents’ individuality—such as accommodating dietary preferences and encouraging participation in meaningful activities. 2. What medical and rehabilitation services are available on-site? Quality care goes beyond assistance with daily activities. Ask about: Access to hospice care and pain management Availability of wound care and ostomy specialists In-house physical, occupational, speech, and mental health therapies Staffing levels—how many nurses and aides are on duty at different times of day? These services can have a major impact on recovery, mobility, and comfort. 3. What is the atmosphere like during meals and activities? Daily life should be engaging and social. Ask to observe a meal or an activity session. Consider: Are residents out of their rooms and interacting with others? Do meals look appetizing and meet special dietary needs? Is assistance with eating provided promptly and respectfully? Also ask about field trips, volunteer involvement, and whether there is an active activities room or calendar of events. 4. What do current residents and families say about their experience? Talking to those already living in or visiting the facility can give you valuable insight. Ask residents: Do staff respond quickly when you call for help? Do you enjoy your meals and feel your privacy is respected? Are you involved in decisions about your care? Ask families: Are you promptly notified of any accidents or health changes? Do you feel comfortable raising concerns? Is there a Family Council and does the facility listen to it? 5. How transparent and responsive is the administration? A responsive leadership team is key to resolving issues and maintaining quality. When meeting with the Administrator or Director of Nursing, ask: How do you handle complaints? How are staff trained and how long do they typically stay? What’s your policy on resident rights, such as refusing treatment? You can also ask to review the admission contract, learn about costs and refund policies, and understand how care decisions are made if the resident is unable to speak for themselves. Want more questions to ask? Visit our full guide: Is This the Nursing Home to Choose?  It includes detailed sections on services, nursing care, residents' rights, and conversations to have with administrators, staff, and families. At Kansas Advocates for Better Care, we believe everyone deserves compassionate, dignified, and person-centered long-term care. Asking the right questions is the first step to getting it.

Advocacy in Action (May 2025): Statewide Senior Resource Directory Secured in FY 2026 Budget!

By Lenette Hamm • May 1, 2025
Thanks to the dedicated advocacy of KABC and our coalition partners, Kansas has taken a major step forward in improving access to long-term care information. We’re thrilled to share that the Fiscal Year 2026 state budget includes $190,000 in dedicated funding for the creation of a comprehensive statewide senior resource directory , a direct result of our persistent efforts to ensure older adults and their families can navigate care options with confidence and clarity. Language in the approved budget bill reads: “That expenditures in an amount of not less than $190,000 shall be made by the above agency from such account during fiscal year 2026 to create a comprehensive statewide resource directory to provide essential information on long-term care options: And provided further, That such directory shall be accessible in an up-to-date online version as well as in a printable version.” This is a huge win for older Kansans, caregivers, and care professionals , and it builds directly on the success of local efforts like the Douglas County Senior Resource Directory . We know that when people have access to clear, trustworthy information, they are better equipped to make decisions that support dignity, independence, and well-being in aging. We are proud that our voice, and YOURS, was heard. From providing testimony, to meeting with legislators, to amplifying the call for this essential resource, this achievement belongs to all of us who believe that quality care begins with access to information. Next Steps: We’ll be working closely with the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services to support the development of this directory and ensure it meets the needs of Kansans statewide, both in print and online. T hank you for standing with us. This is advocacy in action and together, we’re making a difference.