Releasing restraints in the nursing home: it can be done

1. The value of physical restraints for nursing home residents has not been documented, yet they have been used almost universally for at least 50 years. 2. The use of physical restraints for confused patients produces numerous negative outcomes. 3. Nursing homes can create environments that are restraint-free for all residents, and demonstration trials have proven the feasibility of restraint-free care. 4. A restraint-free environment produces a dramatic decrease in agitation and mobility problems.