Restraint Minimisation and Safe Use Training for Aged Care
Restraint and restrictive practices in aged care carry significant ethical, legal and clinical implications. Under the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards and the Aged Care Act 2024, the use of any restrictive practice must be a last resort — authorised, documented, reviewed and always aimed at minimisation. This training guide equips your team with the knowledge to implement restraint minimisation principles and safely manage any approved restrictive practice.
What This Training Covers
- Definitions — physical restraint, chemical restraint, environmental and mechanical restraint
- The legal framework for restrictive practices in Australian aged care
- When restraint may be used — the conditions and authorisation requirements
- The role of the consumer, family, GP and Behaviour Support Practitioner
- Least-restrictive alternatives — what to try before restraint
- Monitoring a consumer in restraint — frequency, signs of distress
- Documentation requirements for restrictive practice authorisation and review
- SIRS reporting obligations for unexpected or unplanned restraint use
Key Learning Outcomes
- Define the different types of restrictive practices in aged care
- Describe the legal requirements for authorising restraint under the Aged Care Act 2024
- Identify and apply at least three alternatives before considering restraint
- Safely monitor a consumer under an approved restrictive practice
- Accurately complete restrictive practice documentation and review records
Who Should Complete This Training
All direct care staff, RNs and clinical managers. PCAs should understand what constitutes a restrictive practice, what requires authorisation, and how to report concerns. RNs and managers should be able to complete authorisation documentation and lead reviews.
Alignment to the Strengthened Aged Care Quality Standards
Directly relevant to Standard 5 (Clinical Care) — which explicitly addresses restrictive practices and requires an evidence-based, least-restrictive approach — and Standard 1 (The Person), which upholds the right of every consumer to dignity, autonomy and freedom from unnecessary restriction.
Manage Restrictive Practice Records Safely with Governa
Governa helps aged care providers maintain compliant restrictive practice records, track review dates, and ensure authorisations align to your facility's policies — reducing risk of SIRS notification failures and audit findings.
