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Nursing home residents have the right to be free from unnecessary chemical or physical restraints. Such restraints may include sedatives and other drugs as well as straps, harnesses, and other devices. While restraints are sometimes necessary to prevent a patient from harming his or herself, all too often nursing home residents are excessively restrained in order to keep them out of the way. We have calls from family members who have reported their loved one was overdosed on medication. Other callers have reported patients being kept in a closet until staff could get back to them.
If you or a loved has been a victim of excessive physical or chemical restraint, you should contact an experienced nursing home abuse and neglect attorney right away to ensure that your legal rights are protected.
The misuse of chemical or physical restraints may be the result of poorly-trained staff, miscommunication, or understaffing. Nursing home employees who are ill-suited for the job and who cannot handle the stresses that their job entails may take their aggression out on the resident with this sort of abuse.
Dangers of Excessive Chemical and Physical Restraint
Excessive chemical restraint can lead to many serious medical conditions, even death.
Here are a few:
- Overdose
- Malnutrition and dehydration
- Inability to feel pain
- Anoxic brain injury
- Bed sores and other skin conditions
- Chemical dependence
- Choking
Excessive physical restraint can be just as dangerous. Misuse of straps, harnesses or similar devices can lead to:
- Choking
- Bed sores
- Circulation problems
- Cuts and bruises
- Fractures
- Psychological damage
Proving that excessive physical or chemical restraints have been used can sometimes be difficult, especially when no outward physical signs are visible. If you even suspect that this form of nursing home abuse is occurring to yourself or a loved one, it is crucial that you contact an attorney immediately.
If you think you may have a nursing home abuse case, please contact our nursing home abuse and neglect attorneys at (602) 786-8860 to schedule your confidential, no-cost consultation.