THE LAW OFFICES OF
BARRY G. DOYLE, P.C.
100 W MONROE ST.,
STE 2100
CHICAGO, IL 60603
PHONE: 312.263.1080
FAX: 312.263.0153
Illinois Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer
Serving Illinois In Chicago, Rockford, and Surrounding Areas
What is a Restraint?
The Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA) defines physical restraints as
"any manual method or physical or mechanical device, material, or equipment attached or adjacent to the patient that the individual cannot remove easily which restricts freedom of movement or normal access to one's body."
Types of restraints
- Wrist or ankle restraints
- Restrictive chairs
- Tie-in vests
- Restrictive bedrails
Restraint misuse
The use of restraints carries serious risks to the well-being of a resident of a nursing home. Therefore, they should only be used when they are necessary to assure the resident's safety.
It is never acceptable to use restraints for the convenience of the nursing home staff. They can only be used after receiving an order from a physician and after receiving consent from the resident or the resident's family, after carefully explaining the risks of the use of the restraints, and the alternatives. Once restraints are being used, careful monitoring of the resident is required to assure his or her safety.
Side effects of restraint misuse
Muscle fatigue Weakness Abrasions Pressure ulcers Incontinence Confusion Lacerations Muscle cramping
Restraint injuries
- Severe falls
- Cuts
- Chest compression
- Strangulation
- Suffocation
- Fractures
- Muscle injury
- Death
Several organizations are working to raise awareness of the dangers of restraint systems, to institute guidelines for more conservative use, and to test alternative practices.
If you have evidence that a loved one is being unnecessarily or improperly restrained, ask to see the medical reports and speak to the doctor or nurse who ordered or enforced the restraints.
Talk to an experienced Illinois nursing home abuse lawyer for full investigation resources and information. Call or email us today to schedule your free initial consultation. No recovery, no fee.
