What is positive risk, and how should it be balanced with safety in care planning?

• A. Positive risk involves allowing some risk to support independence and quality of life; balanced with safety through assessment, mitigation strategies, monitoring, and informed consent
• B. Positive risk means removing all risks
• C. Positive risk is irrelevant in care planning
• D. Positive risk means avoiding any decision that could harm the service user

Answer: (A)

Positive risk means recognizing that allowing some risk can support a person's independence and quality of life, rather than trying to eliminate every danger. In care planning, this is balanced with safety by first understanding the person’s goals and preferences, then assessing the risks involved and discussing them with the person (and others who matter to them) to obtain informed consent when possible. Next, put in place practical safeguards and supports—such as training, supervision, assistive tools, environmental changes, or staged activities—to reduce potential harms while enabling the person to pursue valued activities. Ongoing monitoring and periodic reviews keep the plan responsive, adjusting supports as needed. This approach respects the person’s rights and autonomy while keeping safety as a guiding, actionable part of planning.

Other options miss the balance: removing all risk ignores autonomy and real-life choices; labeling positive risk as irrelevant discounts its role in meaningful care planning; avoiding any decision that could cause harm is overly cautious and prevents people from pursuing worthwhile activities.