Families are very worried about how their loved ones will be kept from falling, rolling out of bed, or wandering out of the home.

Physical restraints are devices that restrict movement which the resident cannot remove easily. Restraints such as bed rails, lap boards, seat belts and vests can hurt residents.

Studies have shown that physical restraints can cause severe accidents, impair physical functioning, reduce strength, increase anxiety, cause depression, distress, and even death. This is why the Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 requires that nursing homes use as few physical restraints as possible.

The problem is that many homes do not find other ways to protect their residents. They may propose that the staff will be able to keep an eye on everyone - all the time. This plan just won't work. Creating a nursing home where residents can be safe without physical restraints requires knowledge, commitment and education of nursing home personnel, family members and residents.

If your nursing home has removed or is considering removing restraints from your loved one, make sure the following things are done:

1. THE RESIDENT MUST BE INDIVIDUALLY EVALUATED

Federal and State laws governing nursing homes require that each resident's condition be assessed. All the reasons that caused the home to put on restraints in the first place must be considered. Staff must look for and try all possible alternatives to restraints.

2. YOU SHOULD BE INVOLVED IN THE DECISION

Before restraints are removed, the nursing home staff should speak with you. The risks and benefits of restraints should be explained. Other methods that will be used to insure your family member's safety should be clearly outlined and discussed. If you are not comfortable with the plan, speak up.

3. A SAFETY PLAN MUST BE CREATED

If restraints are not used or they are removed, the nursing home must create a realistic plan to keep the resident safe. For example, if bed rails are being removed because a resident could climb over them and seriously injure himself, the home can lower the bed and put a soft, nonskid pad on the floor.

If you are having problems with this issue, please call the FRIA helpline. We can help you analyze the situation, make suggestions and if necessary, speak with the nursing home. We can also inform you about the literature that is available on this subject.


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