Nursing Home Social Services Reference/Principles of Care/Physical and Pharmacological Constraints

Physical and Pharmacological Constraints There are several regulations that address constraints for residents. In all of these regulations, restraints chemical or physical are forbidden. Restraints can be used only by police or by EMTs transporting clients to Emergency departments on the way to a 72 hour hold. Once at hospitals or psychiatric facilities, clients can be restrained if required by psychiatrists or psychiatric nurses at that facility. Physical constraints include tucked in sheets, belts or other items that tie down a resident from which the resident is unable to free themselves. This can include pinning a resident down by bodily force. The principle behind these regulations are the idea that residents are entitled to dignity, highest level of independence and have authority over their own person. Pharmacology constraints are subtler but just as unacceptable and damaging to residents. These include any medication such as sedatives or pain medications, that cause unwanted sleepiness or negatively impact mobility. This situation can be complicated to unravel. Discuss concerns with the Director of Social Services, Director of Nursing or Administrator or Medical Director.