There are many different levels of long-term care available in the United States. Some older adults simply need the support of professionals in an assisted living facility, while others need to live in a nursing home. Even among nursing home residents, some people require far more support than others. Those dealing with dementia and other forms of cognitive decline may eventually move into a locked memory care ward. These specialized facilities help ensure that older adults don’t wander off or become violent toward other residents due to their confusion.
Vulnerable older adults living in memory care wards should receive appropriate support. Staff members should prioritize their health and long-term well-being over personal convenience. Unfortunately, the inappropriate use of chemical restraints is a common issue in nursing homes, especially in locked memory wards.
What are chemical restraints?
When nursing home workers believe that a resident is either a threat to themselves or to others, they may need to restrict that person’s movement. Some facilities use physical restraints, but many turn to chemical restraints instead. Chemical restraints are psychotropic drugs and sedatives administered to keep people calm and compliant. Their overuse can cause significant harm to the residents who receive these drugs unnecessarily.
What are the signs of unnecessary chemical restraints?
Family members visiting an older adult may notice that they do not seem like themselves. They may appear to be in a trance-like state or may seem zombie-like. Sudden changes in mobility or extreme lethargy can also be signs of improper chemical restraints.
How can families respond?
Technically, the administration of psychotropic drugs usually requires informed consent. The patient or the person with the authority to make medical decisions about their care must sign paperwork acknowledging the risks of chemical restraints and approving their use. Even with signed documents, nursing home and memory ward workers should attempt to minimize the use of chemical restraints whenever possible. Administering them because a patient complains or doesn’t follow instructions is not a reasonable response.
In scenarios where the excessive use of chemical restraints has resulted in harm to nursing home residents, their family members may have grounds to take legal action. Reviewing records provided by the facility and discussing the case with a legal professional could help families determine if their loved one may have experienced actionable nursing home malpractice due to the excessive use of chemical restraints.