Show #408 Airing Sunday, 11/18/07
Falls pose terrible safety risks for older adults, whether they're at home or in a nursing home. But are restraints the best answer? Here to give us the answer about the pitfalls of restraints is someone whose advice never "falls" short, Dr. Alice Petrulis, chief medical officer for Ohio KePRO.
Question:Falls in nursing homes are a major problem. Aren't restraints essential to keep residents safe?
Answer: No. It's false that nursing home residents have to be tied down in bed or in a chair so that they don't fall.
It's estimated that 1800 people die each year due to falls in nursing homes. Of this number, 200 of the deaths are directly due to restraints themselves. People fall struggling to get free or trying to climb over the bed rail.
Our goal is to eliminate the use of restraints in nursing homes completely.
Question:Is that realistic?
Answer: Yes. By educating both the staff of nursing homes and the families/caregivers. To that effect, we've created a video that teaches alternatives to restraints.
Question:What are some alternatives to restraints?
Answer: First, residents who "wander" are really not doing it aimlessly-they are seeking something. An effort could be made to see what is needed, to reduce wandering. These people can also be distracted from "wandering." An example would be giving them the opportunity to listen to music.
Environmental modifications can be made for safety. Are the residents in a secure environment? If they become agitated or restless, they should be safe to walk around. Will an alarm alert staff if someone goes out a door?
Rooms should be well lit and free of clutter.
Residents should be wearing proper footwear.
Modifications such as mattresses on the floor to pad falls can even be made.
Unnecessary noise such as background TV can be eliminated.
Relaxation techniques and activities-like crossword puzzles-can be offered.
Mirrors can be confusing at times and can be removed.
Pet therapy is popular.
Question:How are you doing with educating nursing homes?
Answer: The state of Ohio has seen a relative improvement of 50%. Northeast Ohio has fared better, with an improvement approximating 66%.
Education still does have to continue, in nursing homes and in families. Most people still think that restraints are a good idea.
Question:What if our viewer's loved one is in a home that uses restraints?
Answer: You can talk to the nursing home's administration or even call us at Ohio KePRO. We can contact the nursing home at the family's request, giving the home more education on the matter of restraints.
Change facilities to one that's more progressive.
Determine if restraints are being used "proactively"
Question:Where can we learn more?
Answer: Viewers can call Ohio KePRO to receive a free brochure containing a Physical Restraints Test to check their knowledge B. There's also information up on our website.
It's time we "let go" of the idea that restraints are always necessary to curb falls. Contact Ohio KePRO for help. You can also receive a free quiz to test your knowledge on nursing home restraints.
