Last updated:
4th November 2026
What care homes and hospitals need to consider
What the person wants and how they feel
Take time to understand how the person feels about their care and whether they are comfortable with the arrangements.
Look out for things such as:
- saying they are unhappy or do not agree with something
- repeatedly asking to leave
- trying to leave
- resisting or trying to avoid care
- becoming upset, distressed, agitated or withdrawn
- becoming distressed by restrictions
Relatives, carers and other people who know the person well can help you understand how they usually communicate and show how they are feeling.
What restrictions are in place?
Keep a record of anything that limits the person’s freedom. This could include:
- physical restrictions
- using medication to restrict or control them
- equipment that restricts their movement, such as bed rails or lap belts
- limiting or controlling their environment
- limiting where they can go
- limiting their contact with other people
- limiting when or how they can go out
How do the care arrangements affect the person?
Think about the care arrangements as a whole and record:
- why they are needed
- how the person experiences their care
- how long the arrangements are likely to last
- how any restrictions affect them
Does the person accept the arrangements?
It is important to find out whether the person accepts their care arrangements.
Keep a record of:
- how you found out what the person wants and how they feel
- how you helped them to communicate
- how you asked whether they agreed to the arrangements
- why you believe they accept the arrangements
Do not assume someone agrees with their care arrangements just because they go along with them or do not object.
Give the person as much freedom as possible
Care should always be provided in the least restrictive way possible. This means:
- giving the person as much freedom as possible while meeting their care needs
- making sure any restrictions are reasonable
- regularly checking whether restrictions are still needed
- supporting the person to make choices and take positive risks where appropriate
