Elderly loved ones enter a nursing home expecting to receive the care and attention they need to stay happy and healthy during their golden years. Unfortunately, due to short staffing, untrained staff members or individuals who rely on punishment as a tool, many residents are injured while under nursing home care.
Nursing home abuse is a general phrase that can cover a broad range of negligence and intentional harm. One common type of accident that results in damage happens during transportation. Over the course of their stay, there might be times when it is necessary to leave the nursing home facility grounds. Common examples can include:
- Offsite medical appointments
- Trips to the mall or other retail
- Group visits to the park
- Group outings to a sporting event or theater
- Visiting a library
For the most part, these trips require transportation such as a shuttle-style bus. When preparing for the outing, nursing home personnel must ensure the residents are safe and secure. This often means the use of straps, harnesses and other restraints. In these situations, the improper use of restraints can become a dangerous factor.
What is the improper use of restraints?
For those under the care of a nursing home, the use of physical restraints is necessary. This protection might be required to prevent slip and fall accidents and other injuries. Unfortunately, whether due to poor training, errors in judgment or abusive actions, the nursing home staff members can incorrectly use the restraint system.
Pulling the restraints too tight, for example, can cut off blood flow, cause bruising or lead to broken bones. Additionally, leaving a resident in tight restraints for too long can also lead to serious injuries and aggravated conditions.
Elderly nursing home residents can face catastrophic injuries in numerous scenarios. Restraint injuries can be devastating leading to both physical pain and emotional damage. It is wise to hold a nursing home staff accountable for their actions and push them to install safer procedures to protect their residents.
