Physical restraint in elderly in home care: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Objective To estimate the prevalence of mechanical restraint and factors associated with its practice in elderly in Home Care. Methods This was a cross-sectional study with 162 elderly randomly assigned to a home care program in Rio de Janeiro, from March 2018 to July 2018. Used as a technique for data collection and direct observation and structured interview of elderly clinical data. Data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially. Results There was a 13% prevalence of mechanical restraint in elderly in home care. The most frequent restraints were the use of bandage, tissues and sheets in the arms/legs and chests of the elderly, and the justification for their use were control of aggressive behavior (28.6%), prevention of falls (19%) and protection (19%). Of the total elderly participants, 42.9% remained contained for more than 24 hours, and in 85.7% of the cases, the individuals were confined to a room. Conclusion It is necessary to expand the training of formal and informal caregivers, recommending the rehabilitation of care practices that preserve the elderly's autonomy, giving them dignity, respecting gerontological and home care principles.

Keywords

• Restraint
• physical. House calls. Home health nursing. Geriatric nursing. Health of the elderly