Nursing home physical restraint use drops 40%

The use of physical restraints on nursing home residentshas fallen 40% in recent years, according to a report from the Agency forHealthcare Research and Quality. 

Overall, about 5.9% of 1.5 million long-term residentswere physically restrained repeatedly in 2006. That compares with 9.7% in 2002.States where restraints were most frequently used in 2006 were California,Arkansas and Oklahoma. Restraints were least used in Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas andMaine in 2006. 

Use of restraints can lead to bed sores/pressure sores,loss of strength and even depression. The Advancing Excellence in America’sNursing Homes program aims to reduce by 30,000 the number of nursing home residents who are physically restrained. The goal has been set for September of this year.