Our NHCU opened in September 1992 as a restraint-free nursing home. All staff have been actively involved in maintaining the restraint-free environment. Consistent with the literature, while there is a slightly higher number of falls when restraints are not used, the number of fall related injuries has not increased. All residents are assessed for fall risk, and an interdisciplinary care plan is developed to prevent falls without the use of restraints. Patient and family conferences are held to discuss concerns and to weigh the potential consequences of the use of restraints versus the consequences of falls.
Administrative support is key to maintaining a restraint-free environment.
Benefits Residents in our NHCU maintain their mobility and functional status. Although patients transferred from settings that use restraints require reconditioning, they improve their functional status and are spared the complications of being restrained. Residents have a sense of control over their lives and exhibit fewer depressive or agitated symptoms. Staff, patients and families express enthusiasm and support for a more humane approach to long-term care.