Who the safeguards apply to

The safeguards are for people who are receiving care in a registered care home or hospital and may not be free to leave because of their care arrangements.

If someone is receiving care somewhere else, such as in their own home or supported living, different legal arrangements apply.

When an authorisation may be needed

Sometimes, the care someone needs to keep them safe can also limit their freedom. If this happens, the care home or hospital may need to apply for an authorisation.

This could include:

• locking doors
• supervising someone all or most of the time
• stopping them from leaving
• limiting when or how they can go out
• using physical intervention
• giving them medication without their knowledge
• using medication that affects their behaviour
• limiting their contact with other people

This does not always mean the person is being deprived of their liberty. It will depend on their individual situation and how the restrictions affect them.