Case study approach to removing physical restraint

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Dementia Care
• Healthcare Management

Background:

• Restraint use in aged care facilities for individuals with dementia is a complex issue, often influenced by perceived duty of care.
• Misinformation frequently hinders efforts to eliminate the use of physical and chemical restraints.

Observation:

• This paper details a case study within an aged care facility focused on removing restraints.
• The intervention involved an education and consultation approach targeting staff and the family of a resident with dementia.

Findings:

• The education and consultation process aimed to address the underlying reasons for restraint use.
• This approach facilitated a shift away from physical and chemical restraints in the care of an older person with a dementing illness.

Implications:

• Successfully removing restraints requires addressing misinformation and focusing on staff and family education.
• This case demonstrates a viable strategy for reducing restraint use in dementia care settings.
• Implementing similar education and consultation models can improve the quality of life for residents with dementia.