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Discussion

restraints

We were just informed that in Massachusetts, the use of 1/4 side rails is now considered a restraint. Anyone have any info on that? Seems absurd that a 1/4 rail which is too small to really keep anyone in the bed could be considered a restraint, but this IS Massachusetts after all and we are talking about the DPH.

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Where I live, ANY side rail is considered a restraint, and you not only have to have a doctor's order, you have to be able to prove that it's being used as an assistive device for bed mobility and not as a restraint, which means obtaining the resident's and/or family's written consent and documenting your butt off. Sometimes I think common sense has gone the way of the dinosaur when it comes to LTC......that's why I got out of it.......but that's another entire thread. :stone

Yes mjlrn97, We here in Queensland Aged Care have special forms for 'restraint' that detail the type of restraint used:-

1. Bedrails ('cot sides' etc. all sizes are a form of restraint).

2. Soft lap restraint (padded belts with a quick release buckle)

3. Lock-in chairs (removable tray to an arm chair)

4. Floatation chair (where the client is semi-lying in a deep lounger)

5. "Posey Harness" (patent USA waistcoat with straps for securing to chairs or to a bed.)

On the form no matter what restraint used the following details must be documented:-

Type of restraint,

Doctor's signature,

Client or relatives signature (and name, relationship and address),

Reason for the restraint,

Frequency of use,

Hourly check signing schedule (the nurses fill out)

The resident (patient/client) to sign if they are able.

All documented in the notes of course.

Quite an involved procedure - yes documentation, documentation!

Lots of paperwork involved if there is a fall, incident, skin tear, bruise etc.

and a form of restraint was not used - even more if restraint was used!

All that even when only a small bed-rail!

Mister Chris :specs:

Yes any kind of bedrail at my LTC is considered a restraint They have to fill out all kinds of paperwork in order to get any kind of bedrail. At my LTC, we write non-stop incidents reports on resident's falls. :angryfire

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