alternatives to four point restraints?

Question

i have been in the mental hospital before and usually end up in four point restraints. i recognize that sometimes this is necessary for safety, but i really HATE it and i'm scared it will happen again. can't handle it. does anyone know if there are any hospitals or facilities where they use alternatives that won't freak me out so much, such as padded rooms or something else? i think even a straitjacket wouldn't be that bad.......i am in MA by the way

Answer 1

Restraints of some time are needed on psyc wards. I have been inpatient four times in four years. I have only seen (heard) a four point restraint being used once. The quiet room (padded room) is a little more common in my area (Maryland). I have even been in there, but not for misbehaving. I had to have an IV in my arm and they didn't want me on the floor with other patients unless I was supervised. Anyway, all the places that I have been let patients request use of the padded rooms if they are feeling like they are getting out of control. This option is two fold, it lets the staff know that the patient is understanding and trying to control thier emotions and once in the padded room the patient has to request to leave as well. If the behavior escaled while in the padded room the staff member can deny the request to leave until they feel calm has been restored. I think this is a much better alternative to using four point restraints. The very thought of having those things on me freaks me out.

Answer 2

Four=points is generally used when a patient has become a danger to themselves or others! Most hospitals have a time-out room which are used prior to 4 points unless impossible! Most patients stay in 4 Pt's less than and hour! Hospitals are actively looking for alternatives.

A person who is a danger to themselves, medication hasn't worked can equally hurt themselves in a padded room!

The best plan is to work with your social worker, MD and team to look at alternatives for you, however, it is people who are out of control, refuse meds and are a danger to themselves often need some time to calm down!

Nothing is going to change how you feel about them, but the best way to stay out of them is to take your meds and speak to someone if you feel that are having an aura or other sign that you recognize! It may be early intervention that could keep you out of four points.

There are some people however who are in there early stage of treatment and have an active psychosis and there isn't a lot you are going to say to them to stop a code being called. Some people are very explosive, with no forewarning, who end up hurting people!

Straight jackets are no longer used! Many hospitals are also beginning to use regular day room environment in a private room to allow a person access to a TV, games, music or a piano! If the places you go don't have these type areas, talk to your team!

Hopefully MA has replaced some of the old hospitals like they had in Worcester!

Answer 3

If you become a danger to yourself or others, almost all hospitals now use four point restraints. The straight jacket and padded cells are only used in movies. Some hospitals also use some hefty sedatives as well, but they don't always work quite so effectively. Suggest that if you don't like four point restraints, you do your best to stay out of mental hospitals.

Answer 4

In Pennsylvania, the use of restraints of any kindis highly discouraged. It is looked upon as a failure of the staff to effectively counsel & deal with patient pathology.

According to the National Association of the Mentally Ill (NAMI), Massachusetts is also supposed to be cutting down on the use of restraints & seclusion.

If you feel like you might need to be admitted again, contacting the Massachusetts arm of NAMI, www.namimass.org , while you are feeling well. See if you can get information from them on any hospital in your area that may have a no-restaints committment

Answer 5

well it depends on wut your behavior is ...where i work we give our patients 4 choices either 1 calm down take a time out and just chill out in your room without doin harm to yourself 2 take some medication and sit where we can see you 3 we have a seclusion room that we would lock if the patient were not listening or responding and 4 would be the restraints (5 point) if you behavior is violent and aggresive i would suggest asking for medication before you get to that point if you are suicidal again ask for medication u have to take control of ur illness before it controls you...and by the way i dont think staright jackets are legal n e more ( im not sure about MA) but i know alot of states banned straight jackets....and i think padded rooms are only in state hospitals or more chronic places like that just try to take control of you behavior before it gets to that point ...good luck

Answer 6

You have the right to the least restrictive method-this is a policy all hospitals follow regarding patient rights. you can have 2 point restraints also..but i have to say, the best alternative is to PREVENT going in to restraints. Manage your emotions, seek out a staff member, stick to whatever care plan (meds?) you're prescribed, and they should be monitoring you frequently while you're in restraints (as in every few minutes) so just calm down while you're on them and they'll be off sooner.