Individualized Care Alternatives Used in the Process of Removing Physical Restraints in the Nursing Home

Perla Werner, Judith Braun, Jiska Cohen‐Mansfield

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

To describe the individualized care alternatives used during the process of removing physical restraints in a nursing home. Descriptive survey. A non‐profit geriatric long‐term care facility Sixty‐three physically restrained residents (mean age = 85.3 years). Information regarding the different care alternatives used to replace physical restraints was obtained from the Gerontological Clinical Nurse Specialist implementing the process of removing restraints. The physical restraints of six of the 63 participants were removed without implementing any care alternative. With the remaining 57 participants, an average of 3.3 different care alternatives were used (range 1–7 care alternatives). Environmental alternatives (such as wheelchair adaptations and alternative seating) were used with 86% of the restrained residents; alterations in nursing care (such as additional supervision and toileting schedules) were used with 77% of the participants. Psychosocial and physiological alternatives, as well as the use of structured activities, were used less frequently. At the end of the study period, five residents remained restrained. This papers shows the complexity of the process of removing physical restraints in the nursing home. The need of an individualized approach is stressed.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)321-325
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society
Volume42
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 1994
Externally publishedYes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Geriatrics and Gerontology

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