Received news recently that I'm excited about (though I'm rightfully sad and angry as well). In New York State, it was proposed that the use of restraints on mentally ill patients be abolished completely. Their reasons are humanitarian. The NYS gov't asserts that if professionals such as aides, nurses, social workers, and doctors can't calm a patient, then they're incompetent, and the restraints are taking the place of a well-trained, able staff. For example, a nurse, social worker or aide could try talking to patients before things get out of hand, and ask questions such as, "Do you feel alright? Is there something that's bothering you? Is there anything on your mind that you're willing to talk about?" Engaging them in conversation may settle down many of the ill and incarcerated quite rapidly, which is preferable to restraints for countless reasons. (I wonder why no one ever thought of this before.) And one alternative, for that small group not calmed by verbal methods and caring, there can be rooms (without locked doors) where they are placed until they are calm. The use of injections that induce sleep or drowsiness might be considered, though they are a form of drug-induced restraints. Being tied down so you can hardly move - until you stop screaming, protesting, or appearing "agitated," in my opinion, is a 20th and 21st century torture. 

As stated by Robert Kennedy, "The natural state of a human being is dignity." 

I have yet to find such changes actually occur, though I believe some day, not too far away, it'll begin to happen.