You also may have the right to leave the facility with relatives or friends after notifying the staff. It is against the law for a nursing home to use physical and chemical restraints, except when necessary, to treat medical symptoms. Restraints may not be used for discipline or for the convenience of the nursing home staff. Restrained residents may have decreased functional ability, lower self- esteem and feel depressed or angry. Restraints do not provide security or safety.
Residents also are likely to be seriously injured if they fall with a restraint on.
A physician must provide medical orders for any use of restraints and give the reason why they are needed except in certain emergency circumstances. You have the right to manage your own money or to pick someone you trust to do so. If you request the nursing home to manage your personal funds, you must sign a written statement that authorizes the nursing home to do this for you. However, the nursing home must allow you access to your bank accounts, cash, and other financial records. The nursing home must protect your funds from any loss by purchasing a bond or providing other similar assurances.