Restraints | Lauren Turner at ElderCare at Home West Palm Beach, Florida Area
Restraints | LinkedIn: Restraints
Firstly, they can be an excellent tool, or a severe hindrance. Restraints can help a patient sit up and stay in that position (geri chair or lap buddy), or can keep a patient safe (i.e. a hospital bed to make sure the patient does not roll out of bed and hurt themselves. Restraints can also be a hindrance however; using restraints to prevent falls in ambulatory patients, to manage annoying behaviors or at the request of the family is never an appropriate use of such measures.
Secondly, many times nurses in facilities and hospitals may utilize restraints without the Doctors knowledge, even though the Doctor is liable.
Thirdly, the use of restraints should only be utilized in certain, specific instances. If a patient specifically asks for restraints (competent), if restraints are needed to treat an uncooperative patient medically, or to prevent falls from TEMPORARY conditions (post opp).
Improper use of restraints is a liability, and can cause injury or death, so be aware of the risks and use only if and when appropriate. Remember to treat EVERY patient as you would want your own mother or grandmother treated. Be respectful and allow them the dignity of independence and safety whenever possible.
Lauren Turner
I want to take a second to address the use and misuse of Restraints.Firstly, they can be an excellent tool, or a severe hindrance. Restraints can help a patient sit up and stay in that position (geri chair or lap buddy), or can keep a patient safe (i.e. a hospital bed to make sure the patient does not roll out of bed and hurt themselves. Restraints can also be a hindrance however; using restraints to prevent falls in ambulatory patients, to manage annoying behaviors or at the request of the family is never an appropriate use of such measures.
Secondly, many times nurses in facilities and hospitals may utilize restraints without the Doctors knowledge, even though the Doctor is liable.
Thirdly, the use of restraints should only be utilized in certain, specific instances. If a patient specifically asks for restraints (competent), if restraints are needed to treat an uncooperative patient medically, or to prevent falls from TEMPORARY conditions (post opp).
Improper use of restraints is a liability, and can cause injury or death, so be aware of the risks and use only if and when appropriate. Remember to treat EVERY patient as you would want your own mother or grandmother treated. Be respectful and allow them the dignity of independence and safety whenever possible.
Communication is challenging with a loved one with Alzheimer’s, including meal time. | LinkedIn
Communication is challenging with a loved one with Alzheimer’s, including meal time. | LinkedIn: Alzheimer's and dementia patients also need a fiber rich diet (non commonplace in nursing homes) and constant reminders to drink water & stay hydrated. Institutional food and dehydration may cause agitation. A simple self test to check for dehydration was to pinch the skin at the back of the wrist; if it stay pinched that means your dehydrated.
There are 6 additional considerations for dietary services with Dementia patients:
1) Presentation of food (a square tray versus a round plate can add confusion)
2) Food consistency (tremors & arthritis patient may have difficulty with soups).
3) Utensils (a carton of milk may be harder to open than milk poured into a glass with (or without) a straw)
4) Entree selection; many patient's have specific religious or dietary needs when it comes to meal times.
5) Frequency of feedings- Alzheimer's & Dementia patients should eat often, minimally 3 times/day + snacks, to help keep weight on.
6) Dining room environment(noise & chaos)
Good topic, Cynthia!
There are 6 additional considerations for dietary services with Dementia patients:
1) Presentation of food (a square tray versus a round plate can add confusion)
2) Food consistency (tremors & arthritis patient may have difficulty with soups).
3) Utensils (a carton of milk may be harder to open than milk poured into a glass with (or without) a straw)
4) Entree selection; many patient's have specific religious or dietary needs when it comes to meal times.
5) Frequency of feedings- Alzheimer's & Dementia patients should eat often, minimally 3 times/day + snacks, to help keep weight on.
6) Dining room environment(noise & chaos)
Good topic, Cynthia!
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