Help to find an unremovable bracelet for confused patients?

[sheaviance1]

You know those annoying things they put on clothing at the store that sets off the alarm when you walk through it? They take a special tool, are very difficult to remove without it. That may work if you attach it to their clothing.

 

[heatherindeskies]

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It's been a looong time ago, but I remember seeing some kind of twisted copper wiring and a plastic coating around it that would be great if it could be attached to the alarm device... maybe it was in a small dog leash or something with bicycles? That would work and be comfortable. Good idea.
Now days nursing facilities do try to provide more entertainment and outings than in the past, but it is our responsibility and our first responsibility to keep patients safe and in one piece. it's not always pretty until the patient settles in then the problem usually resolves itself over time, but these unremoveable alarms are needed at first and sometimes it is a battle of wills. The nursing home cannot afford to be lenient and explain to a family that their loved one was hit in the street because we were trying to be the nice guys and be too lenient.

 

[caspernc]

our health dept. in NC has a program. Check with your health dept. I found this out when we found a autistic girl running down the road. She was running away from her sisters house. Her mom and dad had to get away and the sister just slipped up a second. She had a 2 year old and a new born. Im just glad I found her and not some sick person.

 

[heatherindeskies]

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That is a good idea, but the resident has access to many changes of clothes unless it can be attached each time they put on something new. The smart ones will shed that shirt or pants for a new one and slip right on out....

 

[heatherindeskies]

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Thanks, another good idea to bring to the boss!
I too am glad you found the girl and were understanding.

 

[heatherindeskies]

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eww, your poor dad. We too have the injections, but boy do they have to be a handful, like physically struggling from staff to get out the door before we are allowed to use those. Good thing too. I think too many people would take the easy way out too often and inject to make their jobs easier.

 

[cameron]

Wander Guard is one company that makes em. I do therapy at skilled facilities and this is the brand that's popular in my area.
Basically its an anklet and if the patient gets within 3ft of a door with a sensor, it trips an alarm.

Wish I could be more help. Think they can be gotten from Patterson Medical or Stanley Healthcare.

Good luck.

Cam

 

[SourRoses]

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I completely understand that you have to keep the patients safe. But in one peice? What about emotionally?

I'm not trying to give you a hard time... you obviously do good work... this is just something to think about.

People are people, no matter the change in cognitive function, the same emotions are present. Perfectly rational people died, and still do die, for the sake of freedom... it's completely human nature. They aren't getting angry for no reason, they are angry because, in their perspective, they are locked up without ever having seen a trial, a judge, and all of a sudden someone else is ordering their days for them.

Maybe you can keep them safe until they are healthier on the outside.... but whats left in the inside when that person is released from these sorts of facilities? It is necessary, true... and staffed by very compassionate people, true... but I just think the other shoe should be considered as much as possible when problems arise. Thats all.

and I hope you find something that works!

 

[redhen]

If you have worked with these patients you will understand a bit better.
Its not as simple giving them "outside time".
These people dont really get that... that just want to be AWAY... if you take them outside, they STILL try to run and go "home".
They dont understand WHY they cant go home or why they cant go find their kids(because they think their children are still young..), or they may think they left the stove on at home and HAVE to go turn it off so the house wont burn down.. .... etc... (there are all different reasons why they have to leave NOW)..
Its truly heartbreaking to see.

If they were of sound mind, yes, giving them more "outside time" may help... but these patients arent that type of patient.

 

[Beekissed]

Unfortunately, the medical profession is plagued by lawsuits. You can measure and define physical damage caused by neglect (not insuring the patient is safe) but you cannot measure the emotional damage caused to patients who are already mentally/emotionally damaged. Most of those people are there because they are a danger to themselves or to others and staff would be quite remiss in allowing that danger to deprive those families of their loved ones~and those loved ones would promptly sue the facility.

As crass as it may sound, money wins in the end.