Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE) Practice Test

Can a resident be locked in their room if they are deemed a danger to themselves?

1. Yes, with proper assessment

2. No, it is not allowed

3. Yes, if there is a doctor’s order

4. No, but they can be monitored

The correct answer is: No, it is not allowed

In a Residential Care Facility for the Elderly (RCFE), the safety and rights of residents are paramount. The option stating that a resident cannot be locked in their room emphasizes the importance of maintaining dignity and freedom for individuals, even if they are considered a danger to themselves. Locking someone in their room can violate personal rights and is not consistent with the principles of autonomy that are foundational in care settings. Instead of restrictive measures, a more acceptable approach involves monitoring residents, providing support, and implementing interventions that ensure their well-being while respecting their rights. This aligns with best practices in elder care, which focus on fostering a supportive environment rather than using confinement as a method of control. Other options suggest either conditional locking or reliance on a doctor's order, which do not take into account the fundamental focus on resident autonomy and rights that guides care practices in these settings.