Page 1 of 2

Conclusion

When it comes to making decisions about using restraint, some will need to be made instantly, but most should be part of a considered process.

Identifying the best course of action will depend on the individual circumstance, and may need to change over time.

This all takes time and effort, and time can be hard to find in a care home. It's important to remember that, generally, this type of focus on individual residents should pay off: the care home will have a more positive and calm atmosphere, and staff are more likely to feel empowered to resolve challenging situations.

Page 2 of 2

Conclusion

Some things to remember

  • When we are thinking about restraint we also need to think about risk and risk taking.
  • Good decisions about restraint are more likely if care staff are positive, work together and keep good records.
  • It is important to know about the alternatives to restraint and to have a basic understanding of what the law says.
  • The five-step process will help when making difficult decisions about the use of restraint.

This is the conclusion of 'Module 2: Decision Making Processes'. SCIE have produced two more modules on this topic: 'Exploring Restraint' and 'Creating a Positive Culture'. Use the SCIE website to explore these further.