What are examples of physical restraints in nursing homes?
Nursing home workers may use any number of physical restraints on nursing home residents. Examples of physical restraints include belts, straps, bed rails, vests, restraining chairs, and wheelchair bars. Other types of nursing home restraints may be more subtle, such as tightly tucking the sheets around a prone patient. Physical restraints are legal in nursing homes as long as they are preventing a patient from harming themselves or others, but generally the use of restraints is frowned upon and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. Many agree that physical nursing home restraints should be limited because they can lower a patient’s quality of life and perhaps lead to injuries, infections, pressure sores, and emotional problems. If your loved one is subject to the improper use of restraints, you may have reason to file a nursing home abuse lawsuit.
