now considered a restraint?

[ktwlpn]

We have recently had a mock survey at the LTC.Seems that now the low chair (adirondack style) is considered a restraint.When I first started using them years ago I understood that they are not a restaint because the resident can get up-the chair just slows them down ...They have been a Godsend on the Alzheimer's units-We all know that you can care plan frequent fallers out the wazoo and do everything exactly right-toileting,snacks,drinks,pain med etc and sometimes it's just sun-downing.Has the dept.of health forgotten that there is NO PILL for this? We have been a restraint free facility for years but are no longer considered as such due to the LOW CHAIRS! Also-floor mats at hs-A RESTRAINT? Get outta here...We can cotinie to use these devices but we have to document them as restraint-some of the nurses did not wish to do so and dc'd a rash of chairs 2 weeks ago and as a result have had several residents fracture hips....Seems that every year the DOH arrives they have a different focus and are getting more and more un-realistic...We can no longer careplan "call bell exempt" residents such as people in PVS.We have to always make sure their call bell is within reach..Last year they found our activities deficient for the minimally responsive and comatose residents so many of the programs that were very popular with our alert and independendent residents were dc'd to enable the activity staff to spend more ONE TO ONE TIME with those lower functioning residents.This year when they come back they are going to really hear lots of complaints from the rest of the residents and many of their families,too...I get that the DOH thinks that those more active residents are able to get out and find companionship in the facility but all they do is sit and look at each other-or fuss and fight. It's just dis-heartening...I really believe that most of us are in it because we really care and want the best for the residents but the BS never stops,does it? Administrative BS,physician BS,resident and family BS,charhe nurse BS-it's al BS.....Can you tell I need an attitude adjustment today? What are the rest of you hearing from the dept of health ? Enlighten me,please-I hate to be in the dark.a...nd it is very very dark today....

[nightmare, RN]

Ah different countries,same d@*n problems!!We also use bean chairs for the forgetful ones who think they can walk.Recliners are not as good as they tend to get stuck in parts of them,not the intended outcome you want really.We are only to use lap straps on wheelchairs when the chair is moving.We use a lot of call mats but by the time you get to the room your resident could be on the floor or tottering around in danger of falling onto furniture in the room.I wish the Care Commission would come in and care for some of these confused residents for a whole day,maybe then they would appreciate our dilemma and not accuse us of using restraint all the time:banghead: :angryfire

[withasmilelpn]

Bean chairs were great for one resident we had, but they said it was 'undignified?' I guess a bump on the head is?