Do you have a loved one that is in a nursing home? They are most likely in the nursing home because they cannot take care of themselves at home and need help. You want to make sure that the home that you put them in is treating them well. The problem is they have different people helping to take care of your loved one. Are you questioning if they are taking care of them in the correct way? Or worry if they are restraining them when they are not supposed to. Kajioka & Associates Attorneys At Law wants to help you understand a little bit about what nursing home restraints are and how to ensure they are used properly if deemed medically necessary.
Physical Restraints Used in Nursing Homes
What are physical restraints? Physical restraint can be used with equipment or different devices that they can use to attach to a resident to keep them in their bed. These can make a resident feel helpless or stressed. Some of these restraints could be ropes, vests, tightening their sheet so they can’t move, hooks or loops to fasten clothes on it, lap trays or wheelchair belts, Hand mitts, etc. all of these examples are used to limit a resident’s mobility require a physician’s order after skilled assessment of the resident to determine if they are necessary. They cannot be used simply to make the caregiver’s job easier.
How Does a Chemical Restraint Work?
What is a chemical restraint? A chemical restraint is a sedative drug to calm a resident. The chemical restraint could be an anti-seizure drug, anti-psychotic medication, or any other psychotropic drug. The nursing home can not use these drugs or restraints unless prescribed by a doctor after a detailed evaluation.
When Should You Not Use Restraints?
Unnecessary restraints used on residents are prohibited by state and federal laws. Under Nevada law, it is considered elder abuse when a nursing home, caregiver, or another person intentionally and knowingly acts in a way to cause harm to an elderly person. An elderly person is considered someone who is 60 years of age or older. The only time that you can use restraints on the elderly is when they pose a significant risk of danger to themselves or others. So, if the nursing home is using a restraint to punish a resident or making it more convenient for themselves to provide care, then this is not okay or legal.
Common Risks & Injuries from Restrains
When restraints are used on a resident you can identify them pretty easily. Some of these injuries can include sores, bruising, and rope burns on the wrist and ankles. You will mostly find the injuries there because that is most likely where they will use them to tie them down. When these injuries happen there is a greater risk of infection for this person. This person can also be having decreased bone density, muscle atrophy, and stiffness. That is just physical injuries. They can be having emotional problems as well, like anxiety and depression.
Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, Business Attorneys & More in Greater Las Vegas, Nevada
If you or someone you love has experienced any unnecessary restraints in the nursing home then give Kajioka & Associates Attorneys At Law a call. They can help you understand what can be done if this has happened to you and help you get started to file a claim.
