Are physical restraints in older people necessary as a fall prevention measure?

Abstract

In recent years, it is betting on alternative measures to physical restraints as preventive measures of falls in the elderly. Main reason is that consequences of physical restraints are severe, both physically and psychologically in elderly people. In addition, it is postulated that remove restraints will not imply as many falls or negative effects as has been defended until today. Consequently, affectation that will involve the removal of restraints in the elderly from the Ferrerías residential center, managed by INTRESS, was studied. The sample consisted of a total of 19 users, who were followed after the removal of physical restrictions for 12 months. Study includes user number falls, consequences and reasons for the falls. In addition, it explains the alternative measures established by the residential center and that are defended as the appropriate strategies for the prevention of falls. The future regulations and legislation must focus on the elimination of physical restrictions. It would be necessary develop measures that respect the person's quality of life and emotional well-being.