RE: survey/restraint "remove on command"?

[Faye Jones]

When we had our survey they told us the resident had to be able to remove the device when asked to do so (on command) as an indication that the resident would be able to remove it with intent and purpose to have freedom of movement, access to ones body.  At the time, we had several Velcro lap trays assigned to moderately cognitively impaired residents who could and did remove them multiple times a day however since they could not when asked remove it and get up/adjust clothing etc. it was felt that the “task” was actually behavioral and not an indication of “ability to meets ones own needs”.  For it to not be a restraint they have to be able to remove and perform independently of any assistance. For instance if someone is in their room with a Velcro lap tray and can not remove it until someone comes in to even give them verbal instructions it is still a restraint, if someone is in a personal recliner in the reclined position and needs someone to come in and tell them to move the lever, use their legs to go upright, it is still a restraint.  I know we had difficulty wrapping our minds around this one but last year there were no issues r/t devices so I think we got it!!!   -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of MDS Sent: Tuesday, April 27, 2004 7:08 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: survey/restraint "remove on command"?   Deb, Hi, I’m jumping in the middle of this thread with a question. I have seen this response before & it always puzzles me. Where is it documented “can or cannot remove on command”? The reason I ask is because a moderately demented person may not be able to remove a restraint, therefore it “is a restraint”, but with cueing they can…. Does that make less of a restraint, if someone has to tell them to remove it? Just one of those questions that keep haunting me. Appreciate any other input. Thanks, Dawn   -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, April 26, 2004 8:50 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Re: survey/restraint   stacee, it he doesn't get up or stand then why are you using it. if the resdient cannnot remove it on command then it is a restraint. deb d