The Nursing Home Patients’ Bill of Rights (NHRBR) prohibits the use of physical, mechanical or chemical restraints which restricts the patient from movement or the ability to control their own body functions. Every nursing home patient/resident has the right to move around freely. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for restraints to be used on a nursing home patient for the convenience of their caregivers. There are two different types of restraints that can be used:
Physical Restraints
A physical restraint may be a belt or strap that restrains the patient/resident to a bed or a chair thus preventing the patient from moving around freely. If the patient/resident has bruising around the ankles and or wrists, it could be a warning sign that their caregivers are using physical restraints.
Chemical Restraints
A nursing home may use drugs in order to control a patient’s behavior or to restrict or limit their ability to move around freely. There are several different types of drugs they may use including Xanax, Mellaril, Risperdal or Haldol. These should never be used unless they fall with the patient’s care plan. Unfortunately, the signs of chemical restraints aren’t as obvious as physical restraints. It is important to visit your loved one often and during different times of the day to make sure they are not receiving medication that is not within their care plan.
If you believe that your loved one has been neglect or abused, or if the neglect or abuse has lead to serious injury or death of a loved one, contact our office immediately at 866-559-0097 to speak with one of our experienced Illinois nursing home abuse attorneys.
Social Network Sites