To those who do not understand what physical and chemical restraints are, I will give a quick explanation. Physical restraints are mechanisms used to keep someone from being able to move. These include bedrails, tie down straps, locking doors, etc. Chemical restraints are used similarly in the sense that they inhibit someone, but this method is done with the use of medications. Examples of this would be using sleeping pills, drowsy medications, etc. in order to subdue someone. This can be summed up by using medication for anything other than what and who they are prescribed for. Now that I have cleared that up, I will explain why we do not use these methods.
First of all, these techniques are cruel. Not only that, but they are also illegal! Physical and chemical restraints are considered to be abuse and can be considered neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse, among other categories. These laws apply for all elderly care facilities including senior nursing homes, memory care facilities, and adult family homes such as The Promised Land Adult Family Home. Although these techniques are illegal and highly frowned upon, unfortunately many facilities and caregivers may attempt to use them anyway. Here at The Promised Land Adult Family Home, we have a zero tolerance for abuse and physical and chemical restraint is included in this intolerance.
Another reason why we do not allow these techniques is because studies have shown that these techniques are more likely to cause injuries or health declines. Numerous accounts of fall injuries have reported that more likely than not, when someone wants to get out of bed they will do it whether there is a side rail or not. That being said, if a bed rail is implemented, most people will try and climb over these restraints and ultimately fall from even higher and in an even more awkward body position. All these things lead to more frequent severe injuries when such restraints like these are used.
A few ways that we avoid the need for using these restraints are through the use of thorough monitoring, providing readily available help/care, diversion of attention/ agitation, and various other emotionally soothing techniques. Proper monitoring in most cases completely negates the need for restraints. Here at The Promised Land Adult Family Home, we implement constant check ups with each resident and use motion sensors notifying us when someone is attempting to get out of bed, their chair, etc. These check ups ensure that everyone is safe and allows us to meet the needs of any individual. A common reason for a fall or other injury is a resident in need of assistance trying to use the restroom or grab something by themselves, and are injured while trying to do so. Another technique we use is emotional assistance and mental guidance or diversion. It is common for people with memory loss to experience confusion and frustration. Some may claim that drugging them is the best way to handle this, but not only is it illegal, but it is also stripping them of their freedom of expression. Almost all events of agitation, usually has a root cause and we try our best to understand and assist in these needs. Obviously if someone needs to go to the bathroom, is hungry, or is trying to find something, but can’t easily express this; it makes sense that they would become frustrated. Here at The Promised Land Adult Family Home (and we hope other nursing homes, assisted living facilities and other senior care facilities) want to understand the needs of our residents, and because of our small home setting we can accomplish this more easily and on a highly personalized care level.
Commentaires