Restrictive Practice

Understanding Restrictive Practices in Health and Social Care

In health and social care, restrictive practices refer to any intervention or action that limits a person’s movement, choices, or freedom. While such measures can sometimes be necessary to prevent harm, they must always be proportionate, necessary, and in the person’s best interests.

What Are Restrictive Practices?

Restrictive practices can be obvious or subtle. Common examples in care settings include:

• Physically restraining someone to prevent self-harm or aggression
• Administering medication to sedate someone outside of their care plan
• Locking doors or cupboards to control access
• Restricting choices regarding daily routines or activities

Less obvious examples include:

• Preventing someone from making a phone call
• Withholding communication aids
• Denying access to preferred food or drink without valid reason

Why Awareness Is Vital

Failing to recognise a restriction can lead to unintentional misuse, potentially violating a person's dignity and rights. All care workers must be alert to both overt and subtle forms of restrictive practice.

Policies, Procedures and Legal Protection

All care organisations should have clear, up-to-date policies detailing:

• When restrictions may be used
• Required steps before applying a restriction, such as risk assessments or de-escalation
• Who can authorise a restriction
• Documentation and review processes

These practices must always comply with legislation including:

• Mental Capacity Act 2005
• Human Rights Act 1998
• Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS)

Your Role as a Care Worker

As a care worker, you have a duty to:

• Recognise when a practice is restrictive
• Follow your organisation’s procedures correctly
• Use non-restrictive alternatives where possible, such as reassurance or environmental adjustments
• Record and report all restrictions accurately
• Always prioritise the individual’s dignity, safety, and rights
• Speak up if you suspect misuse or inappropriate restriction

By promoting safe, informed practices, we help support individuals to live independently, safely, and with dignity—free from unnecessary control or restriction.