Avoiding Restraints in Patients with Dementia

In Brief Older adults with dementia are at higher risk than other patients for being placed in restraints, despite numerous negative physical and psychological outcomes associated with their use. Many nurses continue to believe that restraints are necessary to control behavioral symptoms and prevent falls or the disruption of life-sustaining therapies in patients with dementia. Reducing the use of restraints depends on interpreting patient behavior to identify unmet needs; regular assessment for changes in mental or physical status; individualized care focused on communication, consistency, surveillance, and appropriate environments; and a flexible team approach based on dialogue among staff members and respect for patients' needs and rights. For a free online video demonstrating the use of the practice guide, go to https://links.lww.com/A231. When nurses turn to restraints out of worry that patients with dementia will harm themselves, the situation could get worse. This article reveals the hidden dangers of restraints and explains how to keep patients safe without them.