Unit name: Implement person-centred approaches in care settings
Learning outcome: 3. Be able to establish consent when providing care or support
Assessment criteria: 3.3 Explain what steps to take if consent cannot be readily established
As a care worker, you need to understand what you should do if consent can not be readily established.
It may be that the individual is not sure about what they are agreeing to so you could try explaining it to them again and asking if there is anything they are unsure about. By answering their questions honestly, it may help to reassure them.
You may wish to leave the individual for a while and try again later after they have had time to think about it. Or you may ask a colleague to try to gain consent instead.
You may speak to your manager for guidance – in fact, any time an individual refuses consent it should be documented and reported.
You may also obtain help from an individual’s family, friends or advocate.
However, if an individual refuses to consent then you should always respect their decision. If you have concerns that the individual lacks mental capacity, this should also be recorded and reported. Advice from medical professionals may need to be obtained if an individual’s lack of capacity means that a ‘best interest’ decision has to be made on their behalf.