Care home and hospital Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) explained

Care homes or hospitals can not restrict someone’s freedom without legal oversight. If they believe it is necessary to keep someone safe, they must ask the local council for permission.

This permission is called a DoLS authorisation.

Here’s what it means:

• Six checks (assessments) are done to make sure the arrangements are necessary, proportionate, and in your best interests.
• Conditions may be added to make the arrangements less restrictive.
• You will have a Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) – usually a family member or friend – who will speak up for you and help protect your rights.
• You have the right to challenge the authorisation in the Court of Protection if you do not agree with it.
• You can get support from an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) if you have no family or friends to help.
• The authorisation is time-limited and reviewed regularly to check if it is still needed.
• Your care must always use the least restrictive option to keep you safe.