Lecture on Aged Care, Dementia, and the Use of Restraints

Overview

Discussion centered on the issues of physical and chemical restraints in aged care facilities.
Highlighted specific cases and expert opinions on the matter.

Background: Terry Reeves had Alzheimer's diagnosed at 60, was in a nursing home in Sydney.
- Daughter Michelle McCullough found him restrained in a chair, often left alone.
- Restraints used frequently, sometimes up to 14 hours a day.
Consent and Medication:
- Family consented only if Terry was a danger, but felt it was overused.
- Suspected use of antipsychotics as chemical restraints.
- Discrepancy found in medical charts vs. pharmacy bills.
Policy Changes:
- Nursing home claimed policy changes made post-incident.

Mary Burgess: Queensland public advocate comments on lack of regulation.
- Argues that using restraints without legal framework is a breach of human rights.
Professor Henry Brad Daugherty: Authority on dementia.
- Highlights lack of consent issues in antipsychotic usage in nursing homes.
- Survey found minimal written consent for antipsychotic prescriptions.

Background: Margaret given sedatives at two Victoria nursing homes.
- Dosage increased excessively, leading to physical decline.
Consequences:
- Experienced multiple falls, leading to rib and pelvic fractures.
- Died of pneumonia, medication regime contributed to her decline.

Current Practices:
- Some nursing homes have improved practices without extra costs.
- Change in attitude and practice rather than financial investment.
Need for Regulation:
- Australia lacks a framework for aged care restraint practices.
- Research indicates restrictive practices harm older people.

Impact on Families:
- Loss of abilities noted in elderly post-restraint.
- Families express concern over accelerated decline.