There are times that restrains need to be used for some people, like during a seizure or when a patient is mentally confused and could be hurt. There are times when the use of restraints is abused and the person is injured. There are times in the Los Angeles nursing home that a patient may need to be restrained when acting out that could harm themselves or other nursing home residents and the use of restraints might be necessary at times for Alzheimer disease. This is not always the case unfortunately; there are some reasons that are made up by the nursing home staff for improper restraint of a patient. When restraints are improperly used by the nursing home staff it can be elder abuse and injuries can occur. The use of improper restraints by a nursing home makes them liable for any physical, emotional or metal damage that the elderly victim suffers.
The Effects of Improper Restraints
When most people think of improper restraints they think of limited force or straps on a bed that are used to hold the person to the bed, but improper restraint can also include chemicals or medications used to sedate. The use of restraint is one of the procedures that can turn into elder abuse quickly. This is because when an elderly nursing home resident is deeply sedated for the wrong reasons it is illegal and is nursing home abuse. This is an inhumane treatment of an elderly person and can cause injuries, dehydration and malnutrition.
When a patient is improperly restrained there can be injuries and immediate bruising to the body. This type of restraint can also cause future injuries and infections, when the elderly nursing home resident is left restrained for a long time without being moved blisters and bed sores can develop. The skin can also be cut when trying to become free of the restraints. When an elderly nursing home resident is left restrained to their bed several days this is improper restraint and the nursing home can be held liable. The elderly nursing home patient that is restrained by chemicals or medication for too long has a risk of suffering brain damage or going into a coma. They also have a high risk of bowel and bladder infections that can result from improper restraints when left for an extended amount of time without being changed or allowed to use the bathroom.
Consulting with an Improper Restraints Lawyer
If the elderly loved one that is a resident of a nursing home and has been improperly restrained for the convenience of the nursing home staff instead of a medical reason this is elder negligence. The nursing home can and should be held liable for this type of elder abuse when improper restraint is used as a punishment or for wrongful causes by the nursing staff or doctors. The family needs to protect their elderly loved one when they have been improperly restrained with the assistance of the improper restraints attorney.
To speak with our Improper Restraints Attorney they can be reached at 888-400-9721.