Dangers of restraint abuse in Virginia nursing homes

Restraint use in Virginia nursing homes is a controversial topic; however, there are times that their use is justified.  Problems arise when restraints are used incorrectly or excessively, and restraint abuse can lead to charges of abuse or neglect, or even death.

Some researchers estimate that restraints are an avoidable proximate cause of death in 1 out of every 1,000 nursing home deaths.  Hospitals and nursing homes have been sued for restraint-related injuries, and they have had to pay for their neglectful treatment of residents.

Studies have even shown that the very restraints used to prevent falls have not only increased the severity of falls, but have contributed to resident deaths.  Restraint use actually increases the likelihood that a resident will be seriously injured in a fall.

Adverse effects of restraint use on elderly nursing home residents:

• Death by strangulation (fall while being restrained)
• Increased chance of injury from falls
• Skin trauma like tears, cuts, bruises, and abrasions
• Decresase in muscle mass and tone from lack of movement
• Psychological effects like fear, anger, depression, humiliation, worsened dementia
• Physiological effects like cardiac distress, incontinence, bone demineralization, constipation, dehydration

You can read more about nursing home restraint use and abuse in our law library article “Virginia Nursing Homes and Restraint Abuse”.  Please contact us if you suspect that a loved one is being abused or neglected in a Virginia nursing home.