Chemical restraint use can be a sign of nursing home abuse

When nursing home residents are “difficult” or “hard to control”, some nursing homes feel justified in using restraints to keep these residents confined.  They argue that restraints prevent the resident from hurting themselves – or others.

However, restraint use is extremely controversial and it is easy for them to be overused – physical restraints can be put on when not really necessary or left on for too long.

There is another form of restraint that is less well known: chemical restraint.  Chemical restraint – the use of drugs to sedate or calm a resident – are used to control aggressive or unpleasant behavior.  Psychopharmacologic drugs, which are drugs that are prescribed to control mood, mental status, or behavior, are sometimes used to control the behavior of home residents in this manner.

While some use of these drugs can be justified, their use can indicate or lead to abuse or neglect.  If chemical restraint use is not authorized by a doctor, then it may be abuse.  In addition, if drugs are being used to restrain a resident are not noted in the resident’s chart, it might be abuse (staff may be trying to hide the fact that they are using chemical restraints).

The sad reality is that psychotropic drugs like Zyprexa, Depakote, and Risperdal are sometimes used for staff convenience, and not in the best interest of the resident.  If you suspect that the staff at your loved one’s nursing home are using drugs to sedate residents without doctor’s approval, then talk to the nursing home or contact an attorney.