Alternative Strategies to Restrictive Practices in Aged Care

What is this article about?

In aged care settings, restrictive practices have been cited as a means of managing changed behaviours (including behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia) and preventing falls. In reality, restrictive practices are linked to a variety of adverse care outcomes. For example, mechanical restraint - when used to prevent falls - may actually increase the risk of falls, as it can cause muscle deterioration if used for a prolonged period of time. In order to reduce the need for restrictive practices, there are a variety of alternative strategies that can be used to de-escalate situations, or even prevent changed behaviours or falls from occurring in the first place.