Nursing facility residents are lonely. Family and friends are encouraged to visit whenever they wish. Residents often meet several people in the nursing facility with common interests and become friends. Nursing facility staff work to make family and friends feel welcome. Nursing facility residents are given medications to keep them sedated.
Residents also have the right to refuse any or all treatment.
Government regulations require that a consultant pharmacist and state inspectors review residents' medications. Family members and residents should be included in the care planning process. Nursing facility staff keep residents physically restrained. Due to the increased number of alternative products, physical restraints are no longer used as an answer for residents who wander, have difficulty sitting, etc. Residents and family members have the right to know that the use of restraining devices may be used only under a physician's prescription.