I
think it is safe to say that no one wishes to spend the last stages of his or
her life in a nursing home. Unfortunately, though, sometimes the individual’s
need for skilled nursing care leaves no other option. Simply put, the person’s
physical and/or mental condition does not permit adequate care to be provided
at home or an assisted living facility.
But
the fact that an individual is in a nursing home does not mean that they can or
should be ignored.
It
is a sad commentary on human nature that some staff members in some facilities
will treat their patients in such a fashion as to minimize the inconvenience
and care required by the aide or nurse who is charged with providing
appropriate care.
As
a practical matter, some facilities will use physical restraints such as vests
or belts to confine a resident to a wheelchair or bed. Such restraints may be appropriate for the safety of
patients or others. But far too often they’re used for the convenience of the
caregiver who, therefore, no longer has to give the same level of personal
attention to the patient that would be required if such restraints were not
used.
Other
techniques of serving the convenience of the staff as opposed to the needs of
the patients are the use of sedative and anti-psychotic drugs. Feeding tubes
are also used to avoid the necessity of helping a patient eat.
If a loved one of yours is receiving such “treatment”,
it may or may not be appropriate but you should insist on questioning staff
members as to whether it is necessary for the patient’s benefit.
