Yorkshire Care Group (YCG) provides compassionate care for individuals with a wide range of needs, including those with dementia, physical disabilities, and complex behavioural conditions. As part of their ongoing commitment to improving the quality of care, YCG sought to address growing concerns about the use of restrictive practices in managing challenging behaviours and to create a safer, more dignified environment for both staff and residents.

With a focus on reducing restrictive practices and promoting a culture of person-centred care, YCG began exploring innovative solutions. After extensive research and consultation, they decided to implement Safety Pods—designed to offer a safe, supportive, and non-restrictive environment for individuals at risk of distressing episodes.

Prior to the introduction of Safety Pods, Yorkshire Care Group faced several challenges associated with traditional methods of managing individuals with complex needs:

• Restrictive Practices: Like many care settings, YCG used physical restraint and other restrictive practices in certain situations, which were often traumatic and undignified for both staff and residents
• Staff Safety Concerns: There were frequent incidents where staff were at risk of harm when interacting with individuals exhibiting distressed behaviours, such as aggression or self-harm
• Emotional Well-Being: Staff expressed high levels of stress and burnout due to concerns about their safety, as well as the emotional toll of using restrictive interventions

The need for a proactive, respectful, and non-intrusive approach to managing behavioural challenges was clear.

UK Safety Pods were introduced to Yorkshire Care Group to provide a secure yet non-restrictive environment for individuals during moments of distress. The pods serve as a calm, safe space designed to promote de-escalation and self-regulation, helping individuals regain control without the need for intrusive or physically restrictive interventions.

Michael Short, alongside the wider care team, oversaw the introduction of Safety Pods, ensuring seamless integration with YCG’s existing care and behavioural support plans. The pods were installed in key areas and designed with flexibility in mind, allowing for customization to suit the specific needs of residents.

“Before we introduced Safety Pods, we were constantly facing challenges in balancing the need for staff protection with the dignity and autonomy of the individuals we care for. The traditional methods of restraint, while sometimes necessary, often resulted in distress and further trauma. The Safety Pods have been a revolutionary tool for us—offering a way to manage crisis situations effectively while reducing the need for physical interventions.”

“Having worked closely with the team at Safety Pod International, I wholeheartedly recommend their implementation as an effective strategy for reducing restrictive practices across social care and health settings. The pods not only enhance safety but also promote dignity, providing a calm, secure environment for individuals to de-escalate and self-regulate. This has been instrumental in reducing physical restraint incidents and improving the overall well-being of our residents.”

“The feedback from both staff and residents has been overwhelmingly positive. We have seen a significant reduction in distressing incidents, and staff now feel empowered to intervene proactively rather than reactively. The pods provide a safe space that reduces the need for traditional, often intrusive, restrictive interventions, and this has had a profound impact on our care culture.”

The positive outcomes experienced by Yorkshire Care Group align with a broader trend in social care and health settings. An expert in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) shared the following perspective

“I wholeheartedly recommend the implementation of UK Safety Pods as an effective strategy in reducing restrictive practices across social care and health settings. Having extensively used and evaluated their implementation and outcomes for individuals, I have seen firsthand their efficacy in enhancing proactive safety protocols while promoting dignity and autonomy for individuals as part of co-produced PBS plans.”

“The UK Safety Pods represent a groundbreaking approach to safeguarding vulnerable populations, particularly those with complex needs or behaviours of concern. By providing a secure yet non-restrictive environment, these pods offer a unique solution to manage crises and mitigate risks without resorting to traditional, intrusive, and often traumatic restrictive interventions.”

Key features and benefits highlighted by the expert include:

• Safety: The pods offer a safe space for individuals during episodes of distress, without the need for physical restraint or other restrictive measures
• Dignified Intervention: Unlike traditional restraint, which can be traumatic, the pods prioritize dignity and well-being, offering a calm environment for de-escalation
• Preventative Approach: The pods enable early intervention, allowing individuals to self-regulate and avoid situations that could lead to harm, reducing reliance on restrictive practices
• Customisable Design: The pods can be tailored to meet diverse needs, including design customization with colours and pictures selected by individuals, making the spaces more personalized and comforting
• Regulatory Compliance: The use of UK Safety Pods aligns with legal and ethical standards, supporting restraint reduction while promoting a culture of respect and person-centred care

Following the implementation of UK Safety Pods, Yorkshire Care Group experienced significant positive changes:

1. Reduced Use of Restrictive Practices: The introduction of Safety Pods contributed to a measurable reduction in physical restraint incidents, improving the overall quality of care and reducing trauma for individuals
2. Improved Staff Confidence and Safety: Staff reported feeling safer and more confident in managing potentially challenging situations, knowing they could rely on the pods as a non-restrictive solution
3. Enhanced Dignity and Well-being for Residents: Residents benefited from a calmer, more dignified approach to crisis management. The ability to self-regulate in a supportive space has promoted autonomy and respect for their personal needs and preferences
4. Proactive Crisis Management: Staff were able to intervene earlier in moments of distress, using the pods as a preventative tool rather than waiting for situations to escalate. This proactive approach has helped maintain a safer environment for everyone
5. Positive Feedback from All Stakeholders: The feedback from both care teams and residents has been overwhelmingly positive. The reduction in restrictive practices has led to better outcomes for individuals, greater staff satisfaction, and a more respectful, supportive care environment
6. Compliance with Regulatory Standards: The pods have helped YCG align with regulatory guidelines on reducing restraint and promoting person-centred care, enhancing the organization’s overall reputation for high-quality care

The implementation of Safety Pods at Yorkshire Care Group has proven to be a transformative step in reducing the use of restrictive practices while ensuring a safer, more dignified environment for both staff and residents.

Michael Short and the team at YCG have seen firsthand the positive impact of this innovative solution, both in terms of enhanced staff safety and improved outcomes for individuals.

The adoption of Safety Pods aligns with the broader movement toward more humane, person-centred care in health and social care settings. For Yorkshire Care Group, this initiative has not only improved care delivery but also fostered a culture of respect, dignity, and proactive safety management, ultimately leading to a better quality of life for those in their care.