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Call the Aged Care Advocacy Line, our national team of advocates is available Monday to Friday 8am–8pm and Saturday 10am-4pm 

Self-advocacy toolkit

What you need to know for better aged care

Self-advocacy or speaking up means having the right information to get the care and support you need. Explore the topics below to start.

Home Self-advocacy toolkit Protecting yourself from harm Restrictive practices in aged care

Restrictive practices in aged care

A restrictive practice is an action that restricts your rights or freedom of movement.

There are 5 types

  • chemical restraint
  • environmental restraint
  • mechanical restraint
  • physical restraint
  • seclusion.

By law, restrictive practices must be used by service providers only as a last resort and in the least restrictive form.

Aged care providers must have a behaviour support plan in place for every consumer who has restrictive practices considered, applied or used as part of their care. This plan must include evidence of consent from the consumer or their substitute decision-maker.

Documents and external links

Learn more about restrictive practices in aged care. These documents and websites offer help, strategies, and practical information. Brief descriptions are provided for each document or link.

What are restrictive practices? Consumer resources

Read and download a poster and guide which outlines restrictive practices and in what situations they can be applied. Information is also provided to explain how people can contact the Commission if there are concerns.

Restrictive practices in aged care – a last resort

Read in-depth information from the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care about restrictive practices in aged care, the laws around this and provider responsibilities.

Behaviour support plans

Information from the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission on Behaviour Support Plans and what they should include.

Consent for restrictive practices – Frequently asked questions

This fact sheet from the Department of Health and Aged Care answers questions on the consent requirements for the use of restrictive practices in residential aged care.

Need more support?
Call 1800 700 600