The Use of Lawful Restraint in the Care of Elderly People

The Use of Lawful Restraint in the Care of Elderly People

This lecture discusses the use of restraint in aged care. A definition of restraint and how consent for the use of restraint is lawfully obtained is provided. Mechanical restraint, physical restraint, environmental restraint, chemical restraint and social restraint are defined and discussed. The reasons for applying restraint are discussed. The types of restraints which are legal and ethical are discussed. The policies and documentation which will ensure that people’s right to dignity and privacy are preserved are provided.

The main concepts explored in this session are:

• The use of restraint in aged care
• Lawful consent for the use of restraint
• The types of restraints which are legal and ethical
• Policies and documentation preserving dignity and privacy
• Mechanical, physical, environmental, chemical & social restraint

Peter Cooper is a solicitor with considerable experience. Peter is a registered nurse who works within general, psychiatric and aged care settings. In 2004, Peter qualified as a lawyer and was articled to the Melbourne legal firm, Harding and Co. where he is still employed. Peter maintains his nursing registration through working regular shifts with a nursing agency. In his teaching role, Peter is well informed and passionate about health law and allied issues.

Speaker name: Peter Cooper
Recorded: 24 & 25 June 2010
Listening time: 35 Mins
Conference: Law and Ethics in Aged Care
Session in Conference: Let’s talk about restraint
State: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Professional Reviews:

this is definitely an ethical delema, ifone counld have the time to spend  then the easy fix use of chemical restraint would be far less common