The definition of ligature-resistant is at the core of patient-centered designs next page. It’s a concept that is as much about innovation as it about compassion. It’s simply a way to shape environments, especially in healthcare settings, so as to minimize the risk for self-harm. You might be wondering, “What makes an environment resistant to ligatures?” You’re welcome! As if you were putting together a puzzle, safety is the final image. Let’s walk through the key features that give a space the badge of ‘ligature-resistant.’
First up, door hardware. You won’t see the usual protruding handles in a room that is ligature resistant. In ligature-resistant rooms, handles are often replaced by smooth surfaces with a sloped edge that does not allow for straps or cords to be attached. The goal is to be sleek but functional. Imagine a handle in a door that is more like a recess. It’s there but also not.
Let’s talk about corners and edges. Yes, they are important. In a space that is resistant to ligatures, traditional room corners are often designed in a way that they discourage ligatures from attaching. Imagine it as soft-touch architecture.
Let’s now turn our attention to the ceiling. Hanging fixtures of any kind are not allowed. You’ll find flush-mounted air vents and lighting, which are snugly fitted against the ceiling. This eliminates any gaps or edges that could be exploited. Design ingenuity is found in the way these fixtures are both functional and blend seamlessly with the safety narrative in the room.
Bathrooms are critical areas. No typical towel bars and hooks. It’s about retractable hooks and collapsible bars that can support minimal weight. A hook that can hold a towel, but will fold under greater weights is clever. It serves its purpose without risk.
Even the smallest of details like window blinds are reinvented. Magnets can be used to hold blinds in position but easily detach them under pressure. Blinds that can be controlled from outside the room are a safer alternative to cords.