History of Kendal Outreach, LLC

Kendal Outreach has evolved out of a rich history that began in 1973 with the opening of Kendal at Longwood, the first Kendal continuing care retirement community. Kendal at Longwood was established with a commitment to a better way of life for individuals as they aged. At a time when use of restraints in long term care was the norm in the United States, Kendal staff operated the community's health center completely restraint-free. As their commitment to restraint free care was affirmed, staff began to share their successes with others in the field, welcoming other professionals to visit the community and learn about this restraint-free approach to care.

In 1986, Kendal staff presented the first program on restraint-free care at the annual meeting of the American Association of Homes for the Aging, and Untie the Elderly® was born. In 1989, Untie the Elderly® became a registered trademark of The Kendal Corporation. That year The Kendal Corporation and the Senate Committee on Aging co-sponsored a U.S. Senate symposium on the elimination of physical restraints in the care of older persons. Subsequent federal legislation furthered the process of eliminating restraint use.

Today, Untie the Elderly® records more than 200 programs presented in 35 states and Canada. The contact list includes 50 states, Puerto Rico, Italy, Australia, Israel, and three Provinces of Canada. Media recognition for the restraint elimination program has come from Diane Sawyer on ABC News, NBC News’ American Agenda, and an April 1994 article by Michael Romano, “Unshackling the Elderly,” in the magazine Contemporary Long Term Care. The 20th anniversary issue of the same publication profiled Untie the Elderly founder Jill Blakeslee as one of 20 people who has made a difference in long term care.

Over the years, many organizations have benefited from Kendal's assistance as they worked to achieve their own restraint elimination. Providers have seen that, as they create restraint-free environments, a new enthusiasm evolves among their staffs, encouraging more individualized approaches to care and increased job satisfaction.

Kendal Outreach was formally incorporated as an affiliate of The Kendal Corporation on October 25, 2003. Kendal's operational philosophy is rooted in the Quaker values of respect for the individual, community, equality, and financial integrity. Our long-standing commitment to maintaining the autonomy and dignity of the frail, elderly person through resident-centered care underlies our dedication to promote the well-being and quality of life of those served. You can learn more by reading Kendal's Values and Standards and our 30th Anniversary Annual Report.