Transcript:
The use of restraints in nursing homes is very controversial. However, restraint use does occur.
There are two types of restraints: physical restraints and their chemical restraints. There must be a doctor’s order to use either one of these methods. Further, restraint is not something that can be used to make treatment, care, other obligations more convenient for the nursing home staff. Restraints are something that has to be used solely to treat a medical condition or to protect the nursing home resident from injuring themselves.
Generally, physical restraints have to be released and checked routinely, as often as every 30 minutes. Physical restraints can include devices that go around the waist to make sure the resident does not get up or leave a seated or prone position. Typically, residents requiring physical restraint have mental incapacitations like dementia. Physical restraints prevent these individuals from wandering and injuring themselves or others.
Chemical restraints, generally in the form of oral medication, are administered for the purposes of sedating the resident. Chemical restraints may be abused on certain residents, particularly those residents who are uncooperative or hyperactive.
But again, the use of physical or chemical restraints is very monitored by the state and their use must be under a doctor’s supervision, and only for the safety of the residents- not for the convenience of the staff or nursing home administrators.
If physical or chemical restraints have been used on your loved one while residing in a nursing home, and you are not sure whether this conduct constitutes abuse, then please, feel free to call and speak to one of our experienced Georgia nursing home abuse lawyers today. Our consultations are always free.
