Minimising Restrictive Practices in Aged Care

Minimising Restrictive Practices in Aged Care

What are restrictive practices — and why it matters

At Heart 4 Care, we believe everyone receiving care should be treated with respect, dignity and choice — whether you’re accessing in-home care, disability support or aged-care services in Queensland. One key element that supports this is minimising so-called “restrictive practices”.

According to the Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission (ACQSC), a “restrictive practice” refers to any intervention that limits a person’s rights or freedom of movement when they’re receiving aged-care services.

These reforms are important for in-home care, disability care, NDIS support, and aged-care in Queensland — because they help ensure you’re at the heart of decisions around your support.

Key principles — what must providers do?

Under the new framework in Australia, providers must ensure that restrictive practices are used only when absolutely necessary, and then under strict conditions:

  • They should be used only as a last resort, after all less-restrictive alternatives have been tried first.
  • When used, they must be in the least restrictive form possible, and for the shortest period required.
  • They should only be used to prevent harm — for example to you or to others — and after careful consideration of how the intervention may affect you.
  • Providers must work with you (and your representatives or family) about decision-making, document what’s being done and review regularly.

What types of restrictive practices are we talking about?

Here are some common types of restrictive practices you may encounter in aged-care settings:

  • Physical restraint — using force or holding a person to restrict their movement. ausmed.com.au
  • Mechanical restraint — devices or equipment used to restrict movement (like bed-rails, belts). ausmed.com.au+1
  • Chemical restraint — when medication is used not solely to treat a diagnosed health condition but to control behaviour or movement. Health and Ageing Australia+1
  • Environmental restraint — restricting access to parts of a room or building, or removing a person’s means of movement. justice.qld.gov.au
  • Seclusion — isolating someone so they cannot leave voluntarily. ausmed.com.au

It’s important to know what these mean so you can recognise whether the support you’re receiving is appropriate.

What this means for you — if you’re using in-home or disability support

If you or someone you care for is receiving care at home, or support coordination under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and there’s overlap with aged-care style services, here’s what to keep in mind:

  • Ask your provider: “What is your policy on restrictive practices? How do you minimise them in my support plan?”
  • Your provider should discuss alternatives with you — for example changes in environment, increased supervision, behavioural support plans or other non-restrictive ways before any restriction is considered.
  • If any restrictive practice is used, you should expect to be informed, your consent sought (or your representative’s), and for regular review of whether it’s still needed.
  • You should always feel safe to ask questions or raise concerns. If you suspect a restrictive practice is being used inappropriately, you have the right to bring this to your provider or a regulator.

What you can do now

Here are steps you can take to understand and protect your rights:

  • Ask for a clear explanation of your care/staff plan, and where it includes any restrictive practice — including what alternatives were considered.
  • Keep a copy of your behaviour support plan (if you have one) and check that it is regularly reviewed.
  • If you feel uncertain about anything in your support or care, don’t hesitate to ask: “Why is this being used? Is there another way?”
  • Make sure your provider records and reviews any restrictive practice, and that you or your family are part of that process.
  • If you believe restrictive practice is being used when it shouldn’t be, contact the Aged Care Quality & Safety Commission. You also may want independent advocacy help.

How Heart 4 Care supports you

At Heart 4 Care, whether you’re looking into aged-care in Queensland, in-home support, disability care or NDIS support coordination — we are committed to ensuring you feel safe, respected and heard. We:

  • Work with you to identify how to support your needs with the least restrictions possible.
  • Provide clear information about our approach to restrictive practices and support decisions based on what you prefer.
  • Review your service regularly, with you, to check whether any restrictive practice is still needed, or whether alternatives can be used.
  • Support connections with your family, culture and community so care is person-centred and respectful of what matters to you.

If you’d like to explore how we integrate these principles in our services, take a look at our Our Services page or reach out through Contact Us.

If you or someone you care for needs support, and you’re looking for a team who respects your choices, voice and safety — the friendly Heart 4 Care team is ready to help. Contact us today.

Suggested internal links

Suggested external links