When do I need to consider requesting a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards authorisation?

Situations often arise in care settings, particularly those that support older adults, when individuals lack capacity to make decisions about their care or treatment. The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) is the legal procedure in place when it is necessary to deprive of their liberty a resident or patient who lacks capacity to consent to their care and treatment to keep them safe from harm.