A report examining the use of restrictive practices at a Monaghan nursing home has found the delivery of care is focused on the freedom of residents.
The unannounced HIQA inspection at St Mary's Residential Centre in Castleblayney found that the use of restraints in the home had reduced. HIQA define restrictive practices as anything that intentionally restricts a person's voluntary movement or behaviours. This could range from physical restraint to limiting a person's choice of food or items. Residents spoken with and their relatives told the inspector that their rights were upheld and that they had freedom, this included to come and go from the centre, once they informed staff of their plans. Although restraint remained in use in this centre, it’s use had reduced.
Two thirds of residents were noted as being maximum dependency, with 18 requiring both bedrails up, 17 with one handrail and nine requiring lap belts. One resident also had their cigarette lighter held by a staff member. Each resident had a person-centred care plan in place outlining what and how these restraints were to be used, and it was clear to inspectors that each resident and, when appropriate, their family members were involved in the process. The inspector observed that staff were kind and caring towards residents, greeting them as they passed and stopping to chat with residents as they met them along the corridors. Residents assured the inspector their right to make personal choices about their day-to-day care was upheld and they were listened to.
They were also encouraged to make links to the local community, with one resident telling inspectors about the enjoyable St Patrick's Day parade organised by the staff, describing it as 'great craic'. The centre was scored highly by HIQA with the final report stating that residents enjoyed a good quality of life where the culture, ethos and delivery of care were focused on reducing or eliminating the use of restrictive practices
