Holistic care approach for elderly nursing home residents.

Navigating Psychotropic Medications in Aged Care: A Practical Guide for Families

Jordan Keane in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"Understanding appropriate prescribing, dementia considerations, and alternative approaches."

Finding the right care for aging loved ones often involves navigating complex medical decisions. One area that frequently raises concerns is the use of psychotropic medications in residential aged care (RAC) facilities. These drugs, which include antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytics, are often prescribed to manage behavioral and psychological symptoms. However, their use can be controversial due to potential side effects and questions about their appropriateness.

It’s important for families to understand the factors influencing the prescribing of these medications, especially for residents with dementia. Studies reveal a high rate of psychotropic drug prescriptions in aged care, often exceeding what is considered appropriate. This article breaks down the key findings of recent research and provides guidance for families seeking to advocate for the best possible care for their loved ones.

We'll explore common reasons for prescribing psychotropic medications, how dementia affects prescribing practices, and what alternative non-pharmacological approaches can be considered. By understanding these issues, families can engage in informed discussions with healthcare providers and make decisions that prioritize the well-being and quality of life for their loved ones.

Why Are Psychotropic Drugs So Common in Aged Care?

Holistic care approach for elderly nursing home residents.

Psychotropic medications are prescribed to manage a range of behavioral and psychological symptoms. Research indicates that depression, anxiety, sleep problems, agitation, and psychosis are the most frequent reasons behind these prescriptions. Understanding why these medications are used is the first step in assessing their appropriateness.

The original study found that nearly half (48.1%) of residents in aged care facilities were prescribed a psychotropic drug. The most common reasons included:

Depression (61.5%)
Anxiety (26.7%)
Sleep Problems (25.4%)
Agitation (13.7%)
Psychosis (11.0%)
Other Behaviors (7.2%)

It's worth noting that many residents are prescribed these medications for multiple, co-occurring issues. This highlights the complexity of managing mental health and behavioral challenges in the aged care setting. However, it also raises concerns about potential over-medication and the need for comprehensive assessments.

Advocating for Appropriate Medication Management

The findings highlight the need for ongoing vigilance and advocacy to ensure that psychotropic medications are used appropriately in aged care facilities. By understanding the potential risks and benefits, considering non-pharmacological alternatives, and engaging in open communication with healthcare providers, families can play a vital role in protecting the well-being of their loved ones. Regular medication reviews, coupled with comprehensive care plans that address underlying causes of distress, can help to minimize the reliance on these medications and promote a better quality of life for residents in aged care.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1017/s1041610218001229, Alternate LINK

Title: Prescribing Of Psychotropic Drugs And Indicators For Use In Residential Aged Care And Residents With Dementia

Subject: Psychiatry and Mental health

Journal: International Psychogeriatrics

Publisher: Cambridge University Press (CUP)

Authors: R. E. Brimelow, J. A. Wollin, G. J. Byrne, N. N. Dissanayaka

Published: 2018-11-20

Everything You Need To Know

What are psychotropic medications, and why are they a concern in aged care facilities?

Psychotropic medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytics, are drugs often prescribed in residential aged care (RAC) facilities to manage behavioral and psychological symptoms. Concerns arise due to their potential side effects, questions about their appropriateness, and the high rate at which they are prescribed, often exceeding what is considered necessary. It's important for families to understand the factors influencing their use, especially for residents with dementia. Over-reliance on these medications can overshadow non-pharmacological approaches that may offer better long-term solutions.

What are the most common reasons for prescribing psychotropic drugs in aged care, and what does this reveal about medication management practices?

The most common reasons for prescribing psychotropic drugs include depression (61.5%), anxiety (26.7%), sleep problems (25.4%), agitation (13.7%), and psychosis (11.0%). Many residents receive these medications for multiple, co-occurring issues, highlighting the complexity of managing mental health in aged care. This complexity, however, also raises concerns about potential over-medication and the importance of conducting thorough assessments to determine the most appropriate course of treatment, potentially including alternative therapies.

How can families advocate for appropriate medication management for their loved ones in aged care facilities?

Families can advocate by understanding the potential risks and benefits of psychotropic medications, considering non-pharmacological alternatives, and maintaining open communication with healthcare providers. Regular medication reviews, along with comprehensive care plans that address the underlying causes of distress, can help minimize reliance on these medications and promote a better quality of life. Vigilance and active participation in care decisions are crucial for ensuring the well-being of residents.

What are some non-pharmacological approaches that can be considered as alternatives to psychotropic medications in aged care?

The text does not explicitly detail non-pharmacological approaches. However, it implies that comprehensive care plans addressing the root causes of distress are vital. These approaches may encompass therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for depression and anxiety, structured activities to reduce agitation, environmental modifications to improve sleep, and psychosocial interventions to address loneliness and isolation. Exploring these alternatives is essential to reducing the reliance on medication.

What are the potential long-term implications of the high rate of psychotropic drug prescriptions in aged care facilities, particularly for residents with dementia?

While the specific long-term implications aren't detailed, the text suggests that a high rate of psychotropic drug prescriptions, especially in residents with dementia, could lead to reduced quality of life due to side effects. This may cause cognitive decline and increased risk of falls. It emphasizes the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes comprehensive assessments and non-pharmacological interventions to minimize dependence on these medications and enhance the overall well-being of residents.