EPOCH of Melrose participates in state-wide program to reduce use of antipsychotics

EPOCH Senior Healthcare of Melrose recently completed a year-long program aimed at reducing the use of antipsychotic drugs in Massachusetts nursing facilities. As a result of participation in this program, EPOCH of Melrose reduced the use of antipsychotics by 31 percent. EPOCH’s use of these drugs is down to only three percent.

Antipsychotics are used to control agitation and elevated behaviors among nursing home residents, particularly those with dementia. Such behavior is often an expression of confusion and frustration. The Statewide Initiative to Safely Reduce the Off-Label Use of Antipsychotics, known as the OASIS project, aimed to address residents’ confusion and frustration directly, rather than mitigate it with medication.

The OASIS project provided training and support to 104 skilled nursing facilities throughout Massachusetts. This training provided nursing facility staff with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively understand and address agitation and tension without the use of medication. The program saw an 11 percent average reduction in antipsychotics usage among the 104 participating facilities.

Dr. Susan Wehry, a geriatric psychiatrist and Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living, pioneered the OASIS curriculum and training program.

For more information, please contact Gail Infurna at 781-665-3950. EPOCH Senior Healthcare of Melrose is located at 15 Green St.