Publications
Decision-Making Tool: Supporting a Restraint Free Environment in Community Aged Care
A restraint-free environment means no words, devices or actions will interfere with a person’s ability to make a decision or restrict their free movement.
This information has been designed to stimulate discussion between staff working in community aged care services about how to ensure restraint-free care of clients being cared for in their own home.
The use of restraint confronts a person’s rights and dignity and, in some cases, may subject them to an increased risk of physical harm and/or psychological harm. Care workers and case managers need to identify, in a proactive approach with clients, how to prevent situations that may lead to a perceived need for restraint.
With a restraint free approach, the use of any restraint must always be the last resort after exhausting all reasonable alternative management options.
The new tool kit comprises:
- a hand book, Supporting a Restraint Free Environment in Community Aged Care;
- an A3 poster, Making a Decision Flow Chart – for display where staff can access them for care planning (2 copies);
- a check list for use by care workers to assist in early identification of behaviour issues - for photocopying and distribution as required (6 copies);
- a Relatives/Carers Information Leaflet – for photocopying and distribution as required (6 copies).
- Handbook (PDF and HTML version)
- A3 Poster (PDF and HTML version)
- Check list (PDF and HTML version)
- Relatives/Carers Leaflet (PDF and HTML version)
