USE OF RESTRAINTS IN NURSING HOMES HAS DECREASED

USE OF RESTRAINTS IN NURSING HOMES HAS DECREASED

USE OF RESTRAINTS IN NURSING HOMES HAS DECREASED 150 150 Dan Frith

This is great news! The percentage of nursing home residents with restraints fell from 10.7% 1999 to 6% in 2006. The report comes from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s 2008 National Healthcare Quality Report.

The report, released last week, provides both a state-by-state and nationwide analysis of quality-of-care performance in nursing homes, hospitals and other healthcare settings. It tracks 14 different measures of nursing home care, including short-stay/long-stay differences, use of restraints and pressure ulcer rates among others.

State snapshots are available on the AHRQ website, along with full copies of the 2008 report.

We have seen multiple tragedies involving residents becoming entrapped in, and falling from, dangerous restraints. These avoidable events can sometimes lead to death such as when a resident becomes entrapped in bed rail resulting it asphyxia.

Share
About the author

Dan Frith

Dan Frith has over 25 years of experience representing individuals and families in cases of medical malpractice throughout Virginia. He has been named "Best Medical Malpractice Attorney" by Roanoker Magazine and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum. To speak with Dan, contact him by email at dfrith@frithlawfirm.com.

Back to top