Restrictive practice refers to any practice or intervention that has the effect of restricting the rights or freedom of movement of a person with a disability, an aged care consumer, or anyone else. It can include making someone do something they dont want to do or stopping someone from doing something they want to do. Examples of restrictive practices include physical restraints, chemical restraints (e.g., via medication), psychological restraints (e.g., use of punishments or treatment which relies on denying people access to something or some experience if they do not conform), and the use of equipment to restrict someones liberty.
However, any restrictive intervention must be justified both ethically and legally. It must only be imposed if necessary to prevent serious harm, be the least restrictive option, and be approved using the correct authorizations. Privacy violations, such as not allowing a person privacy, reading, censoring, or opening their mail, and other infringements of personal dignity or interference in human rights, such as decisions about who to marry, are also considered restrictive practices.
Overall, restrictive practices are used to stop a person from doing behaviors of concern, such as when they hurt themselves or others. However, it is important to ensure that any restrictive intervention is necessary and justified, and that the persons rights and dignity are respected.
