Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS), Explained (2026)

Claire Saltwater20 August 2026

Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) explained for care homes, 2026.

DoLS sounds alarming, but it's a protection, not a punishment. It's a legal safeguard for people in a care home or hospital who can't consent to their care, and whose freedom is restricted for their own safety.

What DoLS is — and isn’t

It exists to make sure any restriction is in the person’s best interests.

How it works

Families can be involved and can challenge a DoLS authorisation.

This is general information, not legal advice, and covers England & Wales — Scotland and Northern Ireland differ. For your situation, speak to a solicitor or an advice charity. A planned replacement — Liberty Protection Safeguards — has been paused, so DoLS remains the current framework.

💬 Exploring care options? Search care homes near you on AskBart, with CQC ratings and guide prices — or ask Bart for help.

Frequently asked questions

Should I worry if my relative is under DoLS?

No — it means the law is being followed to protect them. You can ask why it’s in place and be part of reviews.

Can a DoLS be challenged?

Yes. The person or their representative can challenge it, ultimately at the Court of Protection.

Claire Saltwater

Editor · AskBart

Claire Saltwater is AskBart's Editor and a care-home industry veteran. One of AskBart's earliest team members, she has spent years working in and around social care — so she understands first-hand the difficult, often overwhelming decisions families face when choosing a care home. Claire writes and edits AskBart's advice guides with one goal: clear, genuinely independent information, free of jargon and sales pressure. Away from her desk she loves a good farmers' market and time with her two young children.