(Washington, D.C. – September 25, 2019)  According to the Alzheimer’s Association, an estimated 5.6 million Americans over the age of 65 are living with Alzheimer’s dementia today. Time and time again, research has found that older adults living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias are restrained either by chemical or physical restraints in order to address what are deemed negative or unwanted actions or “behaviors.” A Human Rights Watch report, released in February 2018, found that approximately 179,000 people living in U.S. nursing facilities are being given antipsychotic medications even though they don’t have approved psychiatric diagnoses. Research also shows that the effective way to address such issues is actually through an individualized, person-centered approach to care.

This is why Linked Senior and Pioneer Network decided to create a social media awareness campaign that brings attention to the use of restraints in home-based and residential settings. This campaign will educate the public about the negative outcomes and consequences of the use of restraints. The campaign will also provide access to other techniques, practices and resources that family members can use.

Linked Senior is challenging its clients and partners with a simple and fun “EngageAThon” contest: the more they use its evidence based platform during the month of October, the more Linked Senior will donate to Pioneer Network to support their effort to remove physical restraints currently being sold on Amazon.com. By the end of October, the Linked Senior community who has logged the most minutes of engagement on the Linked Senior platform will be recognized as the winner and receive Old People are Cool swag for their team. If you are interested in joining this effort please contact Linked Senior directly.

Pioneer Network, which was established in 1997, has worked with many other organizations over the years to not only decrease but also discontinue the practice of using both physical and chemical restraints in nursing homes. Carter Catlett Williams, one of Pioneer Network’s founders, was a social worker in Rochester, NY in the 1970’s and worked to eliminate the use of physical and chemical restraints in nursing homes.  She was a leader in the restraint free movement. The Pioneer Network’s vision of A Culture of Aging that is Life-Affirming, Satisfying, Humane and Meaningful is closely aligned with the mission of Linked Senior.

“Pioneer Network has promoted and educated about individualized, person-centered care since its inception, ensuring that care and support is life-affirming and humane.  We do not believe that the use of restraints in a person’s home supports this goal and we want to provide alternatives to caregivers, so they know there are other options.  I’m very appreciative to Linked Senior for their contribution to this effort,” said Penny Cook, President and CEO at Pioneer Network.

Echoing this sentiment, Linked Senior CEO & Co-founder Charles de Vilmorin shared, “We believe in a world where the older adult is valued and respected – and where their experience is person-centered. Addressing their need with the opportunity to fulfill purpose is our duty, this is why we’re happy to spearhead an effort to not only remove physical restraints from Amazon.com for people living with dementia, but also support the formal and informal caregivers to help them provide the most purposeful experience.” 

Linked Senior is an evidence-based resident engagement platform for senior living. The platform optimizes the person-centered experience for residents by empowering staff with digital tools to assess, plan, implement and evaluate engagement for the entire resident population.

Pioneer Network was founded in 1997 by a small group of prominent professionals in long-term care who were pioneers in changing the culture of aging, care and support. Today, Pioneer Network is the umbrella organization for the culture change movement, providing education and advocacy for person-centered care in all settings. If you are interested in getting involved in this initiative, you can do so by emailing Penny Cook at .