Once a common practice, the use of physical restraints has dropped 40 percent nationally in nursing homes over the past few years. Until a federal law in 1987 prohibited nursing homes from using restraints as a matter of convenience, restraints such as wheelchair belts and bed rails were a common procedure in many facilities. At a nursing home in South Dakota, for instance, the staff has completely eradicated the use of restraints from their home. Instead, the facility uses innovative techniques such as electronic door codes or adjustable beds that lower to the ground for patients that are inclined to roll out of bed.
Research has shown over the years that restraints can have physical and psychological effects on the patients. Depression, pressure sores, dehydration, and loss of strength have all been linked to restraint use.
Nursing homes, consumer groups, and other organizations have created Advancing Excellence in America’s Nursing Homes, a program whose goal is to reduce the number of nursing home patients physically restrained by 30,000. With the combined support from numerous organizations, the program looks like it may reach its goal by September 2008.
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