Behavior Interventions to
Prevent Restraints
Discuss old memories, reminisce
Know + use the resident talking points
Verify clothing fits comfortably
Assess for acute illness: fever, labs, urinary testing
Identify yourself and speak slow, calm and let resident know what
you’re going to do to help
Break tasks into small tasks
Give choices slowly, don’t overwhelm
Offer a handshake, hold hand, touch
Check need to toilet
Check for recent bowel movement/constipation
Check for new medication (s)
Offer reassurance
Respond to behavior (s), emotion (s)
Give object to hold
Give activity box (es) of interest
Remove from environmental noise, stimulation
Read to resident
Talk softly and with interest
Give a repetitive task that they may enjoy: sorting, folding etc.
Check room environment: mirror, pictures, colors, etc.
Don’t argue, or react
Monitor for hallucination/delusions and approach calmly
Don’t do re-orientation or reality orientation
Pain-related conditions-assess pain and/or pain management
Verify for medication error
Check foot wear
Monitor for sensory issues: vision, hearing loss,
Evaluate sleep hygiene, insomnia
Modify positioning, reposition
Don’t argue and or try to reason with
Remove items that indicate leaving
Boyer & Associates, LLC 16655 W. Bluemound Rd. Ste. 280 Brookfield, WI 53005
Ph: 262-754-0525 * Fax: 26 2-754-0528
Offer food, may be hungry
Offer fluids, may be fluids
Provide rest and develop a routine rest period
Lower stress
Provide relaxation strategies: hand touching, massage, etc
Offer calming music consider primary language evaluate cultural influence
Try teaching based on ability to understand
Set agreed goals
Accommodate individual needs/tolerance/evaluate
Identify deficits/abilities, feelings
Separate residents in conflict/hostile
Regulate patterns and interactions
Don’t close in or surround resident
Reduce noise
Dim bright lights
Modify daily life situations
Limit choices
Create environmental cues
Allow the most effective staff members to take the lead
Improve comfort level
Correct reversible medical causes
Verify medical problems/treatments
Improve communication
Consult pharmacist/physician for safe dosage or reduction
Learn the resident warning signs
Remember and record the behaviors that work
Keep interactions simple
Meet basic needs
Distract with activity
Increase physical movement
Use night lights
Limit evening fluids
Discourage long daytime sleeping
Limit caffeine intake
Relax before bed
Try a backrub or hug
Therapy screening/evaluation
Evaluate room temperature
Boyer & Associates, LLC 16655 W. Bluemound Rd. Ste. 280 Brookfield, WI 53005
Ph: 262-754-0525 * Fax: 26 2-754-0528
Allow to remain up and provide quiet activity at night if possible
Develop a bedtime routine
Pull shades to reduce light
Open shades to increase light
Use reflective tape or floor strips to assist confidence
Provide attention
Go for a walk if possible
Provide clergy or community leader
Involve in decision-making
Find creative strategies: activity, music, exercise, dance
Give enough time to complete tasks
Use medication only if all interventions have been eliminated
Boyer & Associates, LLC 16655 W. Bluemound Rd. Ste. 280 Brookfield, WI 53005
Ph: 262-754-0525 * Fax: 26 2-754-0528