Pennsylvania Nursing Homes - Restraints

The use of physical restraints on patients in nursing homes severely diminishes their quality of life. Federal law prohibits nursing homes from using physical restraints on patients for non-medical purposes. The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 prevents a nursing home from using physical or chemical restraints for purposes of discipline or convenience. Unless medically necessary, residents should be free from restraints so that they can maintain their independence; eating on their own, dressing themselves, and enjoying freedom of movement.

Oftentimes, a nursing home will use restraints because they are poorly staffed and do not want to add staff so that patients can be properly supervised. This is not a reason for using physical restraints on residents and is against the law. If you know that a Pennsylvania Nursing Home is using restraints on patients that are unnecessary, contact our Pennsylvania Nursing Home Abuse Lawyers.

When restraints are used improperly an individual can suffer Degeneration of overall health including poor circulation, constipation, incontinence, weak muscles, bed sores, and infection can occur.

Other negative health consequences caused by restraint use include loss of movement, isolation, loss of freedom, and diminished social contact, all of which can contribute to depression.

Elderly residents of Nursing Homes are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect. Unnecessary physical restraints are a clear violation of a patients rights and should not be used under any circumstances. If you would like assistance to prevent a nursing home from using restraints please call our Pennsylvania Elder Abuse Attorneys.