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In my case for the safety of my husband with ALZ even the doctor said he should have a restraint while in a wheel chair. He has fallen several times without a restraint as he can' t remember having hip replacement. Every facility I have contacted to place him in a care facility says they do not use any restraints and I need to provide 24 hr sitters. To me this is elder abuse, yet they make us pay top dollar.

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It really doesn't matter what the doctor thinks, state law prohibits restaints. Don't u think facilities would love to use them. To save on liability and hospital trips. In NJ, they are allowed to use alarms. Mom is in a chair that looks like a beach chair with plastic slats. Its on a slight angle so it makes it hard to get out. One day they used a seatbelt. My daughter is in rehab and says as long as they can unbuckle themselves this restrant can be used. To me, I am all for anthing, except tying them down, that keeps them safe and me out of the ER.
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: - )) I BEGGED the memory care facility where my Mom was to use some type of restraint to keep her in her wheelchair. (Exact scenario as yours) Ultimately, they agreed to a seat belt on her chair. They taught her and prompted her on how to open the seat belt. They then had witnesses sign that she could open the belt, so it wasn't a restraint! I was thrilled and she didn't fall after that! Sometimes we had to put a sweater over her lap (and over the belt) so she wouldn't fiddle with it. I get the laws but it is cruel to allow someone to put themselves in danger. I was happy with the solution used for my Mom.
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I'm sorry, I'm not sure I understand your final couple of sentences. Just to clarify- what do you consider the elder abuse to be - that they won't use restraints when his doctor thinks they're needed? That they are requiring a 24hr sitter and charging top dollar?
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That is great.
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I consider it elder abuse when rather than use a seat belt you allow a person with ALZ to keep falling down. If one cannot remember they have had a hip replaced and they keep trying to walk but fall down that is putting him in danger of more injuries. Sitters can only press the call button for assistance but cannot prevent a fall. The facility doctor can order a "seat belt" to protect them. The Health Care Law allows restraints when a doctor believes it is necessary. The surgeon asked that one be used but the facility doctor never addressed the issue. Please read the law.
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