Families perceptions of the use of physical restraints in the nursing home

Results from a survey of 137 family members of nursing home residents show that the participants perceived the use of physical restraints as somewhat important. Participants who did not work and participants with only elementary or high school education perceived the use of physical restraints as more important than did working participants with at least college education. Additionally, relatives of physically restrained and more cognitively impaired residents perceived the use of physical restraints as more important than did relatives of unrestrained and less cognitively impaired residents. Results from 30 families who were re-interviewed after their relatives were removed from the protective devices, show that participants did not change their perceptions over time. The importance of on-going education and reassurance is discussed.