Safe to wander - Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland

1Why have we preparedthis guidance?The Commission has anactive role in ensuring thatindividuals have accessto care which is mostappropriate to theirindividuality, their uniquecare needs and their humanrights. We are often askedabout restraint and restrictionsplaced on individuals inmental health, learningdisability and older people’sservices. In response to thesewe produced ‘Rights, risksand limits to freedom’ whichsets out our views on the lawand good practice in thisarea of practice. In additionto questions on the broaderissues, the Mental WelfareCommission is occasionallyasked for advice on the useof technology in caring forpeople with dementia,learning disabilities andrelated disorders. Ourresponse is generally thatwe believe that technologycan be a valuable toolwhich has the potential tohelp people to maintain theirindependence and enhancetheir freedom and that,where new technologycan provide assistancewithout unduly restrictingor increasing the risks thatan individual may face,its use is to be welcomed.This publication providesmore specific guidancefor those considering theuse of new technologies,particularly in support ofindividuals with dementiawho are resident incare homes or hospitals.Although we focus ondementia and residentialcare, the principles of thisguidance may also provehelpful for people working toprovide care and treatmentfor other mental disordersin a range of settings,especially as the use ofemerging technologiesevolves to provide homebased alternativesresidential care.The Commission are notthe only source of advicein this area, guidance forstaff working in Scotlandhas also been prepared byNational Care StandardsCommittee and staff willalso be supported bypolicy and proceduresguidance prepared withintheir own services.