CHARACTERISTICS OF NURSING-HOMES THAT ARE RESTRAINT FREE

Using nationally representative data from the On-line Survey and Certi fication of Automated Records (OSCAR) and the Area Resource File (ARF) , comprising 15,074 nursing homes, the differences between restraint f ree and non-restraint free nursing homes were examined. Restraint free nursing homes were found more likely to have residents with less ADL deficiencies and lower average numbers of residents who were bowel or bladder incontinent. They were more likely to be not-for-profit, small er, low occupancy facilities that did not belong to nursing home chain s, and were located in urban and more competitive areas. With regard t o staffing factors, restraint free facilities had a richer mix of nurs ing staff, although the total number of staff per resident did not dif fer. Restraint free facilities were likely to utilize more full-time e quivalent (FTE) registered nurses (RNs) per resident, but less FTE nur se aides and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) per resident. Psychoacti ve drug use rates did not differ between the types of homes.