Houses to Live In: Apparently Spent on the Wrong Drugs

A nursing home operated by Vienna's Häuser zum Leben has come under scrutiny after 20 residents were allegedly given incorrect medications over an extended period. The organization confirmed the incident in a press release issued Monday, stating that two senior staff members, the team leader of the ambulatory care unit and the director of the Leopoldau facility, had been suspended pending an external investigation. According to an Austrian Press Agency (APA) spokesperson, a statement had already been submitted to the public prosecutor’s office. The discrepancies reportedly included administering pain medication such as Seractil less frequently than prescribed, three times daily instead of twice, and providing a vitamin D supplement in drop form rather than tablet form. In some cases, medications were given at different times of day, such as midday instead of evening, or continued even after they had been discontinued. Additionally, certain prescriptions were not administered at all despite being ordered by physicians. The first known case was reported in March 2025, according to the organization. At that time, a complaint was filed, prompting an initial review. However, the measures taken then proved insufficient, as further irregularities have since emerged. Existing protocols for monitoring medication distribution were apparently not followed, leading to these lapses. The incidents came to light during the absence of the facility’s director at the Leopoldau house. A deputy director was alerted to potential issues with the medication regimen and immediately initiated an internal review of drug administration practices. While the organization described the situation as a “personal failure,” it emphasized that additional disciplinary actions would follow. The number of employees involved in the mishandling of medications remains unclear. All affected residents and their families have been informed, though the reasons behind the leadership changes appear to be unknown to them. Two individuals still await laboratory tests to fully assess whether there are any long-term health consequences. Christian Hennefeind, CEO of Häuser zum Leben, expressed deep concern, stating that the safety of residents must always be the top priority and that such an incident should never occur. Health Mayor Peter Hacker (SPÖ), president of the Fonds Kuratorium Wiener Pensionisten-Wohnhäuser, Häuser zum Leben, called the incidents “unacceptable” and urged the organization to swiftly and thoroughly investigate the matter. Additional oversight mechanisms have been introduced at the Leopoldau facility to ensure quality control processes in medication management align with standards across all properties. The exact causes behind the errors remain under investigation. An external audit is currently underway to determine the full scope of the issue and identify any systemic failures. The results of this probe will likely shape future policies and procedures within the organization.