I work part-time at a local nursing home that implemented a restraint-free policy a few days ago. Management removed all of the side rails from the beds and, within four days, more than 20 residents have fallen.
Even though the fall-risk residents have low beds, they are still sustaining serious injuries. There are not enough fall mats to go around. Staffing is being reduced because this particular company is very much profit-driven. Families are frustrated and want the side rails back, but they're being told that the restraint-free policy arises from new federal regulations.
The increased incidence of falls disturbs me to the point where I am now fearful of coming to work because I'll probably have to deal with broken bones, bloodied noses, hematomas, and even worse.
Anyone hearing gossip about doing away with alarms next?
No! I don't think thats a good idea. The alarms(although they can be a real royal pain in the orifice..) tell me when a resident is getting up.. at least clip alarms and motion sensors do.. and I can scurry in there before they hit the floor.
there are "silent" alarms.....pneumatic mat on the bed/chair...wired into the call system....no alarm at bedside to bother patient/roomate......can be sound alarm as well.
there are "silent" alarms.....pneumatic mat on the bed/chair...wired into the call system....no alarm at bedside to bother patient/roomate......can be sound alarm as well.
I don't see those working as well as the bed alarms.
offered as a substitute is the alarms are "outlawed".
Not going to work as well as the regular alarms.
If it goes off as a call light.. the response time is greater and increase of a fall more likely because the alarm tells us that the resident is getting up NOW.
CapeCodMermaid, RN
6,092 Posts
I've heard rumblings about getting rid of alarms since they don't fit with culture change and the homelike environment. So I'll get rid of the
alarms when DPH gets rid of citations or medicaid increases reimbursement so I can hire more staff.