Physical restraints are sometimes necessary in nursing homes to prevent a resident from getting hurt. However, relying too much on these restraints or failing to train staff on how to use restraints can have serious consequences for the residents. If you have noticed unexplained injuries on your loved one and think improper restraints were involved, reach out to a Peoria County, IL nursing home abuse attorney.
It’s not uncommon for nursing homes to try to deny responsibility for injuries caused by restraints. At Nursing Home Injury Center, we work to hold negligent facility staff accountable when a resident suffers preventable harm. As a small division of a larger firm, we provide clients with individual attention while using the larger firm’s resources to investigate their cases.
Are Physical Restraints Legal in Nursing Homes in 2026?
Physical restraints are still legal in Illinois nursing homes. But the law places strict limits on when and how they can be used. State law sets clear rules for restraint use (210 ILCS 45/2-106). A restraint generally must be medically necessary and ordered by a physician. In an emergency, staff can use a restraint briefly while seeking a physician’s order, unless the resident previously refused the treatment in question.
Restraints can’t be used just because a resident is difficult to manage or for staff convenience. Restraints also cannot be used as punishment. A resident who acts out, argues with staff, or breaks a facility rule cannot be restrained as a consequence. Excessive restraints can also be a sign of neglect or abuse at the facility, and it may point to a larger pattern of poor care.
Before using physical restraints, facilities must also get proper consent and try less restrictive options first. Staff should look for other ways to keep a resident safe before turning to a restraint. This might include extra supervision, better lighting, or changes to the resident’s daily routine. When a restraint is used, staff must check on the resident often. The restraint should be removed as soon as it is no longer needed.
What Kinds of Physical Restraints Are Used in Illinois Nursing Homes?
Nursing homes may use several types of restraints. Some are meant to limit movement. Others are meant to keep a resident in one position. Common types include:
- Bed rails, when specifically used to limit a resident’s movement
- Vest or belt restraints, which secure a resident to a chair or bed
- Wrist or ankle restraints, which limit movement of the arms or legs
- Geri chairs with attached trays, which can prevent a resident from standing up
- Mitts or hand restraints, which stop a resident from touching medical equipment
- Lap trays or belts, which hold a resident in a wheelchair
Each of these restraints can cause harm if used incorrectly. Even restraints that seem mild, like a lap belt or a simple hand mitt, can lead to serious injury over time if they are left in place too long or used without proper monitoring. Our nursing home injury lawyers can look at your loved one’s condition to understand how badly he or she has been hurt.
What Are the Signs of an Injury Caused by Physical Restraints in Elderly People?
Restraint injuries are not always easy to spot right away. Families should watch for warning signs during visits. Common signs include:
- Bruising or red marks on the wrists, ankles, or torso
- Swelling in areas where a restraint was applied
- Skin breakdown or pressure sores from limited movement
- Signs of confusion or increased agitation
- Muscle weakness from being restrained for long periods
- Unexplained falls, which can happen when a resident tries to escape a restraint
A resident may seem more withdrawn or fearful after being restrained. He or she may act differently around certain staff members, or flinch when approached. These changes are worth taking seriously, even if they seem small at first.
How Do You Prove That a Nursing Home Used Physical Restraints Improperly?
Proving improper restraint use starts with looking at a resident’s medical records. These records should show who approved or ordered the restraint. They should also show why it was used and for how long it stayed in place.
Staff logs and care plans can also help. These documents should explain what less restrictive options were tried first. If no other options were tried, this can support a claim of improper use. Gaps or missing entries in these logs can also be telling.
Witness statements from other residents, visitors, or staff can give families context about what happened behind closed doors. Photos of injuries are also useful evidence. Taking pictures as soon as you notice a mark or bruise can help preserve proof before it heals or fades.
An attorney can request the facility’s full records. These may include incident reports and internal complaints. This information often reveals patterns of misuse that are not obvious at first, especially if other residents have faced similar treatment.
Can Improper Physical Restraints Lead to Other Complications in Nursing Home Residents?
Improper restraint use can cause serious complications. Being restrained for long periods can lead to muscle loss and weakness. It can also lead to pressure sores, which are painful and slow to heal, especially in older skin. Pressure sores can, in turn, lead to much more serious infections.
Restraints can raise the risk of blood clots. Limited movement makes it harder for blood to flow normally through the legs. This can lead to dangerous clots in the legs or lungs, which can become life-threatening if not caught early.
Improper restraint use can also affect mental health. Residents may develop anxiety or depression after being restrained. Some residents become more confused or agitated over time. This can cause even more confusion for residents who already have conditions such as dementia.
In the most serious cases, restraints can cause strangulation or suffocation. This can happen when a resident becomes tangled in a restraint while trying to move or escape. These incidents are rare, but they are extremely dangerous, and they often point to a lack of proper supervision.
Contact Our Peoria, IL Nursing Home Injury Attorneys
If you believe a loved one was harmed by improper restraint use, you are not alone. Our attorneys can review the facts of your case and explain your legal options. Call 309-524-6900 or contact our Peoria County, Illinois nursing home abuse lawyers at Nursing Home Injury Center today.
