This factsheet looks at the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS). These relate to people who lack the mental capacity to make decisions about their care and treatment, and who are deprived of their liberty in a care home or hospital. This factsheet covers what deprivation of liberty means, the required procedure for authorisation, what can be done if there are concerns a deprivation of liberty is unlawful, and the procedures and protections required once someone has been deprived of their liberty.

This factsheet explains what advance decisions to refuse treatment (‘living will’) and advance statements are, why individuals might want to prepare one or both of them, requirements for drawing them up, and ways to ensure other people know they exist.

This guide can help service users make sure that their wishes are followed if – for whatever reason – they are no longer able to make their own decisions or tell people what they are. Whether it’s making a temporary arrangement to pay bills while they are in hospital or appointing someone they trust to manage their affairs for the longer term, this guide will take them through all the options, help them decide which ones are right for them and how to go about getting them sorted.