Use of Restraints and Seclusion by Schools on Children with Disabilities

Posted on June 10, 2009 by Martin Solomon

The United States Government Accounting Office (GAO) recently completed a study of public and private schools and reported to Congress on the abuse of vulnerable children who were students at those institutions.

The GAO first testified that there were no federal laws restricting seclusion or restraints in public or private schools and that state laws were widely divergent.

Most significant was their report that found hundreds of cases of alleged abuse and death related to the use of restraints on school children during the last 20 years.

The use of restraints on vulnerable adults in the nursing home setting has been band except under very limited circumstances with physician supervision. There is no good reason to continue this dangerous practice with disabled children in the school setting.

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Assisted Living Facilities: Filling Beds in Hard Economic Times

Posted on June 4, 2009 by Martin Solomon

Assisted Living Facilities are private pay organizations where fees can cost $6,000 or more per month.

They are not skilled nursing facilities and are unable to provide care to residents with complex nursing or medical needs.

In order to fill empty beds, assisted living managers may stretch, in terms of promises they make to families, as to the level of care their facility is equipped or competent to provide.

It may be difficult for a family to place a loved one in a nursing home when they believe that an attractive assisted living facility is willing to accept the patient. However, it is the quality of care that is critical not the quality of the ambiance.

So beware of promises made by assisted living admission representatives and inquire of your loved one’s treating physician about the level of care necessary before making this important decision.

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