Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. 187 PATIENT AND FAMILY EDUCATION HANDOUT USE OF RESTRAINT DEVICES • Due to illness or certain treatments, patients may need a device to prevent movement and the possibility of injury. These devices can cause injury if not applied correctly and in the proper circumstances. The various types of restraint devices include: • Mittens • Vest Holders • Armboards • Soft Ties • Table Top Chairs • Bed Rails • There are four (4) categories or reasons for the use of restraints: • Voluntary: to prevent injury in an alert cooperative patient • Routine Treatment: for example, during IV therapy • Postural/Safety: the use of side rails to prevent a patient from falling out of bed • Behavior Modification: when a patient becomes confused and/or combative  Your Home Health staff will determine the need for most restraints and instruct other caregivers in the proper application. All types of restraints must be easily removable in the event of fire or other emergencies. • Should it be necessary to continue the use of these restraint devices after the Home Health staff leaves, it is important to remember the following: • The restraint must be checked approximately every 15 minutes to be sure that it is not too tight. • Every two (2) hours, the patient should have his/her physical needs attended to, i.e., nourishments, fluids and toiletry. • If arms or legs are restrained, they need to be released, one at a time, for range of motion exercises. • Frequently, if the patient is offered some alternative activity, when he/she is becoming agitated, he/she may not need to be restrained. • Restraints are NEVER to be used as punishment or for family/caregiver convenience. This is considered to be a form of abuse and must be reported to state agencies.