Using Restraints Properly in Nursing Home Facilities

Overusing physical restraints is an example of nursing home abuse.  Understanding the proper uses of physical restraints compared with the improper uses of physical restraints can help.  Unfortunately, the use of restraints is sometimes warranted with nursing home residents.  Some have psychological conditions that make them overly aggressive and restraints need to be used to protect both residents and nursing home employees.  Residents who are experiencing dementia or other periods of confusion may be put in restraints because of the fear they experience during these periods of confusion.  When a resident goes in and out of a confusing period where they aren’t aware of their surroundings, realizing where they are may make them act out and physically harm themselves or others.  The restraints must be used to protect residents from injury and employees from being hurt.  Another occasion in which restraint use may be appropriate is when a medical procedure is being performed and patient needs to be kept in a specific position.  If the resident were able to move around too much, the procedure could hurt them more than necessary.  If you feel like nursing home staff members used restraints on your loved one when it wasn’t necessary, contact a Los Angeles nursing home abuse lawyer to discuss your concerns.