LOS ANGELES: Police are routinely being called to restrain dementia patients in skilled nursing homes because poorly trained staff cannot cope.
The ‘deeply concerning’ trend is the knock-on effect of a lack of investment in nursing home staff training and the increasing use of agency staff, charities say.
At least one force has sent officers to attend a residential home armed with Tasers and riot gear – but did not have to use them after negotiating with the patient.
Another force was accused of leaving a confused patient covered in bruises and treating him like a ‘common criminal’ after using ‘fast straps’ – unbreakable plastic ties for the wrists and legs usually used on violent criminals…