Older adults often move into nursing homes specifically because they need intensive support. Those struggling with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and other debilitating conditions can be a danger to themselves and others.
When family members worry about meeting an older adult’s support needs, a nursing home can be the best place for them to live. Nursing homes have specialized medical equipment, such as beds that raise and lower mechanically. They have trained professionals on staff who can help older adults navigate the challenges that arise during their golden years. They may even have secure or locked wards for those with memory issues or dementia to prevent elopement or wandering.
With all of those resources available, nursing homes typically do not need to rely on chemical restraints to keep older adults safe. Unfortunately, some employees may abuse chemical restraints for personal convenience. Their choices can put residents at risk.
What are chemical restraints?
Chemical restraints are medications intended to reduce the combative behavior of those in a medical facility. Such drugs may render people unconscious or create a sense of calmness in those who experience profound agitation.
Unfortunately, chemical restraints can be relatively dangerous. Too much of a medication can put someone at risk of medical complications including organ damage and death. Therefore, best practices at nursing homes include only using chemical restraints or physical restraints in emergency circumstances.
When can nursing homes use chemical restraints?
When someone is an immediate source of risk for themselves, other residents or employees, the use of chemical restraints as a short-term solution is potentially acceptable. However, consistently using chemical restraints to keep people calm and complacent is dangerous.
Families may come to visit a loved one, only to find them all but insensible because of the medication administered to them by nursing home employees. Particularly when this turns out to be a consistent issue, rather than a one-off experience, there may be reason to worry about workers inappropriately relying on chemical restraints for minor issues that do not warrant such aggressive interventions.
The misuse of chemical restraints can lead to physical and mental harm of a nursing home resident. Families may be able to pursue a lawsuit related to nursing home negligence or abuse based on the administration of chemical restraints. Documenting questionable behavior and discussing it with an attorney can help people advocate for a vulnerable loved one receiving inappropriate care in a facility.
