ABSTRACT
While ideally every LTC facility would have a geropsychiatrist or psychiatrist to prescribe and monitor psychiatric medications, few do. Consequently, the resident’s attending physician usually prescribes all of the psychiatric medications as best he can. Unless this physician has had adequate training in psychopharmacology, the medications chosen may be less than optimal. The physician often depends upon the advice of nursing staff or the mental health consultant, who may or may not be well informed. While the prescribed medications and dosages are often monitored by a pharmacy consultant, this person also may not have in-depth training in psychopharmacology. As a result of these factors, the quality of psychiatric medicating in LTC facilities varies a great deal.
