The use of restraints and sedation is used across the United States in a variety of facilities and organizations. Mental health institutions are often using these forms of control because those patients pose a safety issue for themselves and others around them. In the case of sedation and restraints being used in nursing homes, this concept has brought on many concerns for activists and family members of the residents. Not only has it brought ethical concerns, but for many residents, the use of restraints and sedation has led to a lawsuit. Restraints and chemical sedation should only be used for one reason only, and that reason is safety. When the nursing home used sedation or restraints for a purpose other than for safety, they could be found guilty of abuse. An elder that is restrained can suffer numerous damages including muscular atrophy. In addition, sedation could interfere with current medications they are taking.
If damages that are caused to the elder resident are found to have derived from restraints or sedation that were unlawfully used for the convenience of the facility or to punish the resident, the facility could be facing a tremendous civil lawsuit, and possibly criminal. Restraint and sedation abuse attorneys at the Ft. Lauderdale firm are experienced with managing these types of cases and firmly fight to attain justice because they have personally seen the devastation that restraining and sedating an elderly resident could have.
Uncovering the Red Flags
It is essential that the warning flags associated with any form of abuse or neglect are studied by the resident’s loved ones and nursing home staff members. Sedation and restraining someone will often lead traces behind that can prove that these actions took place. Some of those symbols include:
- Bruising in areas where restraints would most likely be like ankles and arms
- Living space of resident having physical restraints in place
- Focus of the resident not being as it once was
- Resident growing increasingly tired
- Mobility assisting devices of the resident having restraints on them
Info on The Number of Residents Using Sedatives
- Out of every ten residents, six will be using a psychiatric drug
- Out of every ten residents, three will be using a potent antipsychotic drug
Being Confined Can Bring Many Troubles
Whether it is through chemical restraints or physical restraints, any person who is confined and loses their freedom will begin to develop psychological issues, and for many, physical impairments. This is true for the elderly population in a nursing home. The damages that they can endure from abuse with sedation and restraints could be severe. Percy Martinez Ft. Lauderdale firm for sedation and restraint abuse has attorneys prepared to take on any case of personal injury and find the accountable party.
Ft. Lauderdale
Email: percy@percymartinezlaw.com