Is Immobilization a Type of Nursing Home Abuse?

When a nursing home resident is immobilized lying down in bed in the supine (face up) position is the most common position of rthese bed-redden resident. Naturally, a person stops moving when battling an illness or a physical disease. Even old age can result in a person taking longer periods of rest in order to recover from pains.

What we know as bed rest is a treatment in of itself, and sometimes doctors can prescribe full day bed rest for some patients to allow their body to naturally replenish and to try to heal itself. Nursing home patients are often immobilized either because of a doctor’s orders or because of perpetual boredom.

Unfortunately, while bed rest can be a good thing at times, when practiced to an excessive degree, immobilization can carry some serious medical risks. Prolonged bedrest, unfortunately, on nursing home residents can have unintended and serious consequences. It can certainly increase a residents' risk of the following:

• Decubitus Ulcers (pressure sores or bed sores);

• Skin Infection;

• Fluid Buildup and Infection of the Lungs;
  

• Urinary Infection;

• Psychological Stress; and

• Depression

Naturally, immobilization is a major issue in nursing homes. While some doctors may occasionally recommend immobilization for an elderly patient, it’s unlikely that he would recommend this treatment for an extended period of time, giving the senior’s delicate state.

Nursing Home Neglect can also cause immobilization.

LiveStrong.com states that prolonged immobilization could also lead to a condition called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). In fact it cites a study published in Wiley Inter-Science stating that “the most powerful risk factor DVT in patients older than 65 years was prolonged bed rest for up to 14 days, with a 5.6 times greater risk of DVT.” It also stated that residents should not be left in a lying position “for any longer than 15 days.”

Another reason why immobilization might be practiced is due to nursing home neglect or nursing home abuse by way of physical restraint. No doubt, nursing homes do need some sort of security if patients become aggressive.

USA Today recently ran a story on Diann Snyder, a nursing home director, who stated that she banned the previously used practice of physical restraints in Pennsylvanian nursing home, considering it a form of nursing home neglect. Despite the fact that restraints had been used in the past to allegedly help keep residents “safe”, Snyder saw a danger. She told USA Today, “Statistics have shown there have actually been deaths from the use of restraints.” She also added, “If you restrain a resident, you actually see some desperation…You kind of break their spirit. They give up.”

If your relative has been the victim of nursing home neglect or abuse and has suffered physically from prolonged immobilization then you may have grounds for a lawsuit. Contact The Rasansky Law Firm and ask about your loved one's legal rights. Call 1-877-405-4313 to speak with a lawyer now for free.