Restraints and Physical Abuse on the Elderly
The concept of restraints in a medical setting is usually a delicate subject; there is debate whether it is proper. However, physical restraints are not just straps but bed rails. Bed rails and physical restraints are intended to prevent injury to the medical patients and protect them from any bodily harm. The main purpose of bed rails is to keep patients from falling out of the bed. Misuse of bedrails occurs when the bedrails are not properly placed. Physical restraints immobilize an individual who may be combative or unsupportive. However, misuse occurs when a patient is restrained against their will and/or exhibits no necessity to be restrained.
An Arizona Nursing Home Attorney's goal is to assist you and your family collect compensation for damages entitled to your Arizona family for abuse and neglect suffered while under the care of a Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Tempe Nursing home. An Arizona Nursing Home Attorney is also an advocate for the unlawful tying of an elderly resident in a nursing home. In I991, 21.1 % of nursing home residents were unnecessarily restrained. However, through legal action and avocation, in 2007 restraining a patient has dramatically decreased; but that is not enough.
Untie Elderly Fight
Even with recent decreases in the use of restraining devices in nursing homes, different types of people like government officials, community members, law officials, and attorneys work toward educating communities about improper use of physical restraints. But, according to this crusade, Arizona is not one of the top states that have lowered the use of restraints on nursing home residents.
Ways to prevent the use of restraints starting with preventing falls or behavior that might indicate to a caregiver that restraints might necessary:
- Lowering beds
- Padding on the floors
- Non-slip Chairs
- Cleaner floors
- Physical Therapy
- Proper footwear
What damages can using restraints do to an individual?
- Emotional Damage
- Falls
- Detachment
- Bruising around and underneath restraints
- Fatality
- Lack of trust with others
- Depression
As a caring member of the family, recording incidents is important for your personal notation and may help bring a case against the nursing home. Immediately report the incident or suspicion to the nursing home and contact proper officials, as well as your Arizona Attorney. There are many Acts like the Mental Capacity act of 2005 and the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 that work toward your family's benefit and protect the rights of your elderly family member.
Contact an Arizona Nursing Home Advocate Attorney
The act of abusing restraints can lessen the quality of life for a nursing home resident. If a nursing home in the Phoenix, Tempe, Scottsdale, Mesa or elsewhere in Maricopa County, has contributed to the physical and emotional damage of a family member residing in a nursing home, the nursing home may be legally responsible. The use of restraining devices is questionable - for more information on the responsibilities of nursing homes, an Arizona Attorney can help. Please visit www.nursinghomeadvocates.com for more information.
