Understanding Restraints

Restraints are used to keep patients safe when there is a risk for self-injury. This handout may help answer some of your questions. Talk with your doctor if you have other questions or concerns.

Wrist restraints keep a patient from pulling tubes out.

Mitts prevent scratching at wounds or bandages.

Why restraints are used

Some medicines or illnesses can cause confusion. A patient may not remember where they are or why they are there. Restraints help keep patients from harming themselves. Restraints can help prevent such things as:

• Wandering out of a safe area.

• Removing tubes or bandages.

• Scratching at wounds or bandages.

• Injuring themselves.

• Injuring others.

How restraints are used

Many types of restraints are available. Each type has a purpose. Very strict guidelines say how a restraint can be used and for how long. Health care providers must:

• Assess and document why the restraint is needed. They must follow current practices and guidelines.

• Explain to the patient what is happening and why.

• Use restraints only after all other methods have been tried. They must gather a team to apply the restraints.

• Choose the restraint that limits movement the least.

• Check the skin under the restraint often.

• Keep a call button within the patient’s reach when a restraint is in place.

• Remove the restraint as soon as it's no longer needed.

• Preserve the patient’s dignity.

How you can help

• Know that your loved one will be helped in doing everything they need. This includes eating, bathing, and using the toilet.

• Don't hesitate to ask your loved one's care team about the restraints. Ask why they are used. Ask how long they will be needed.

• Never remove restraints or loosen them yourself. Talk with your loved one's doctor if you have a concern.