When caring for individuals living with dementia, minimizing and eliminating restraints is one of the most important steps toward providing compassionate, person-centered care. Restraints—whether physical, chemical, or environmental—can cause distress, confusion, and even physical harm. Instead of focusing on control, caregivers are encouraged to focus on connection and understanding.
The CARES® Approach offers a simple yet powerful five-step method that helps caregivers respond to challenging behaviors with empathy, insight, and respect.
C – Connect with the Person
Connection is the foundation of good dementia care. Before any behavior can be understood, caregivers must first know the person behind it. Taking time to connect—by speaking gently, maintaining eye contact, and showing genuine interest—helps build trust and understanding.
By connecting with the person, caregivers can better recognize the emotions and needs that might lead to behaviors often mistaken for “agitation” or “resistance.” This understanding is the first step in preventing situations that could lead to the use of restraints.
A – Assess Behavior
Every behavior communicates something. In dementia care, challenging behaviors often arise from unmet needs—pain, hunger, discomfort, fear, or confusion. The second step in the CARES® Approach, Assess Behavior, encourages caregivers to observe closely and think deeply about what each person’s actions might mean.
Learning a resident’s life story, daily habits, likes and dislikes, and what is considered “typical” behavior for them helps uncover the reasons behind their actions. This knowledge empowers caregivers to respond with empathy rather than restraint.
R – Respond Appropriately
Once caregivers understand the person and the behavior, the next step is to Respond Appropriately. This means using the insights gained from connection and assessment to meet the person’s needs in a calm and supportive way.
For example, if a resident is trying to stand up repeatedly, they might need to use the restroom or stretch their legs—not be restrained in a chair. Responding with patience, reassurance, and creativity helps reduce distress and promotes dignity and safety.
E – Evaluate What Works
Not every approach will work for every person. The fourth step, Evaluate What Works, encourages caregivers to reflect on which strategies are most effective in reducing challenging behaviors.
Caregivers should ask themselves:
• Did my approach calm the person?
• Did I identify the cause correctly?
• What can I do differently next time?
By continuously evaluating and adjusting care methods, caregivers can refine their approach and improve outcomes for each individual.
S – Share With Others
The final step, Share With Others, emphasizes teamwork. Dementia care is most effective when caregivers, nurses, family members, and support staff communicate openly about what strategies are working.
Sharing observations, successful techniques, and even small victories ensures consistent, compassionate care across the team. It also helps prevent misunderstandings or conflicting approaches that can lead to frustration or restraint use.
A Compassionate Path Forward- Caring Without Restraints
The CARES® Approach is more than a set of steps—it’s a mindset rooted in empathy and respect. By connecting, assessing, responding, evaluating, and sharing, caregivers can create a supportive environment where people living with dementia feel safe, understood, and valued.
Minimizing and eliminating restraints isn’t just about safety—it’s about honoring the person behind the diagnosis and helping them live with dignity and comfort every day.
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