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.
