Lucinda was diagnosed with dementia four years ago and recently transitioned to a secure residential service due to wandering from her home at night, becoming lost, and being aggressive with family members.

Lucinda was very agitated and upset when she arrived at the care setting.

There are keypads on the doors and Maria does not know the access code. She has repeatedly tried to follow staff and visitors out the doors. Staff are very vigilant about preventing her from leaving as there is a risk that she will get lost or wander to nearby busy roads and the river.

1. Does this sound like restrictive practice to you?
2. Is it possible to keep someone like Lucinda safe in a residential care setting without using restrictive practices?
3. How could positive behavioural support help?

It is rare that there is just one way to respond to a scenario or situation, so do not consider that the responses you have to the above scenario will be judged as right or wrong. Share your scenario with a work colleague or friend and ask them to tell you whether they think you have responded appropriately. Ask them to challenge your response if necessary. You do not need to submit this task for assessment unless asked to do so by your assessor.