CADENZA's Sha Tin District Programme promotes less use of restraint on the elderly

19 December 2009

In order to prevent elderly people from falling or getting hurt, caregivers sometimes resort to physical or chemical restraints.  The overuse of such restraints, however, has adverse effects on both the physical and mental health of the elderly.  With support from Sha Tin District Council, the latest public forum in the CADENZA 18-District Programme was held today (19 December) at the Skylight Atrium in Ma On Shan Plaza, carrying the theme of "Restraint".  Through experience sharing and interactive programmes, the public were able to learn more about suitable methods and creative solutions for taking care of the frail elderly, so as to reduce the need for restraint.

One of the guest speakers, Professor Timothy Kwok of the Department of Medicine & Therapeutics in the Faculty of Medicine at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, who is also Director of the Jockey Club Centre for Positive Ageing, said that any purpose-made devices to limit one's movement are physical restraints, irrespective of their intentions.  Such devices could include straitjackets, limb holders, bedrails or locked chair boards.  Medications like anti-depressants are considered as chemical restraints.  He noted that the use of restraints in Hong Kong was much more common than in other countries. 

"Caregivers often use physical restraint to prevent the elderly from falling or wandering off," he explained, "but physical restraints can also cause harm to their physical and psychological health.  Without any movement or exercise, one's muscles atrophy and one's bones will be weakened, increasing the risk of falls and fractures.  Physical restraints often increase aggression and agitation in the short term, and induce depression in the longer term."

Maria Chui, Department Operations Manager of the Medical and Geriatric Unit at Shatin Hospital, suggested alternatives to using restraint.  "Placing a movement sensor alarm in the bed or on the chair, using plastic mats or very low height beds, gathering high risk groups together for closer observation, or installing wandering alarm systems at door entrances to prevent the elderly from getting lost are some of the viable options," she suggested.

Artistes Tam Sin-hung, Eddie Ng, Mango Wong and Dear Jane were also on hand to encourage the public to visit the elderly more frequently and have better communication with caregivers, so as to ensure elderly relatives were given the most appropriate caring method and minimise the application of restraint.

Highlights of the programme will be broadcast on RTHK Radio 5's "Brilliant Life" at 4:00 pm on Friday 25 December 2009.

The CADENZA 18-District Programme is a citywide public education initiative jointly organised by CADENZA: A Jockey Club Initiative for Seniors and RTHK Radio 5.  It aims to promote positive ageing and equip the soon-to-be-old with knowledge that can help them continue to live an active and positive life.  A monthly programme of public interactive events and activities is being organised in each of Hong Kong's 18 districts in turn, starting from January 2009.  Details of the programme are available at: www.rthk.org.hk/special/cadenza.

CADENZA: A Jockey Club Initiative for Seniors is a five-year project launched by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust with a donation of HK$380 million in 2006.  The project aims at nurturing academic leadership in social gerontology and changing the mindset and attitude of the general public through a range of training and public education programmes.  Cross-sectional collaboration between organisations and the implementation of innovative elderly services and programmes are also encouraged in order to bring about a new mode of elderly care services to prepare for a rapidly ageing society.  Details of CADENZA are available at www.cadenza.hk.

125th Anniversary of The Hong KongJockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is celebrating its 125th Anniversary in 2009/10 season.  Over the past 125 years, it has become one of Hong Kong's best known and respected organisations, providing the public with world-class sporting entertainment as well as being the city's major non-Government community benefactor, now donating more than HK$1 billion a year to charitable and community projects.  It has been a part of Hong Kong through good times and bad, sharing the city's growth and development with its people, and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for future generations.