Investigation into restraint

The CSCI wants to hear from older people and their relatives to find out about their views and experiences.

We know that individuals with dementia may be restrained at some point during their illness. There are obvious ways in which a person with dementia may be restrained, such as tying someone to a chair or putting someone - without consent - in a bed with high sides from which they cannot get out.

But other things, for example electronic tagging, doors which are kept locked or which have complex exit systems and medication, are also forms of restraint.

CSCI's work follows on from the House of Commons Health Select Committee's report into elder abuse, to which the Society gave evidence. The Health Select Committee was very concerned that restraint was being used too much and wanted to find out why this was and what could be done to help. This is your opportunity to tell CSCI what your experience of restraint has been and what you think about it.

The survey is open from 3 April 2007 to 31 May 2007.

Alternatively you can write about your views and experiences in confidence to:

Dr Rhidian Hughes
Restraint of Older People Study
Freepost RLUA-YJYK-CZKC
Commission for Social Care Inspection
33 Greycoat Street
LONDON
SW1P 2QF