Consent in everyday care
Staff seek consent before care and explain what they are doing. Consent can be communicated in different ways and can be withdrawn. A person may agree to one task and decline another.
Quality And Safety
Care should support rights, not replace them
Receiving care does not remove a person’s right to privacy, relationships, choices, possessions, community life and involvement in decisions. Support should be provided with consent and in the least restrictive way possible.
Who we help
People receiving care, families, advocates and professionals
Mental capacity
Capacity is presumed unless there is evidence to question it. It is specific to the decision and time. People must be supported to understand, retain, use or weigh relevant information and communicate their choice.
Best-interests decisions
Where a person lacks capacity for a specific decision, the process considers their past and present wishes, values, least-restrictive options and the views of relevant people. The decision is recorded and reviewed.
Choice and positive risk-taking
A safe service does not remove every risk by removing ordinary life. Care planning considers how the person can make choices and participate with proportionate support, equipment, communication and contingency.
Privacy and dignity
Personal care is provided discreetly. Staff respect the home, possessions, relationships, culture, faith, identity and confidentiality. Information is discussed only with people who have a lawful reason to receive it.
Advocacy and representation
A person may involve an advocate, attorney, deputy, family member or trusted supporter. Their legal role and the person’s own wishes must be understood accurately.
Restrictive practice
Restriction must never be used for staff convenience. Any restriction requires an individual lawful basis, clear reason, proportionality, recording, monitoring and review. Unauthorised restraint, coercion or deprivation of liberty is not acceptable.
Speaking up
People can question a decision, request a review, complain or raise a safeguarding concern. Information should be available in a form they can understand.
Answers
Frequently asked questions.
Can a family member consent for an adult?+
Not automatically. They need appropriate legal authority or the decision must follow a lawful best-interests process.
Can I refuse care?+
Yes, where you have capacity for the decision. Staff may explain risks, offer alternatives and escalate serious concerns, but should not force ordinary care.
What if I communicate without speech?+
Consent and choice can be communicated in many ways. The care plan should record the person’s method and how staff understand it.
Can staff lock doors to stop someone leaving?+
Not simply for convenience. Any restriction needs lawful and individual assessment, and may require external legal authorisation.
How do I challenge a decision?+
Speak to the care team, request a review, involve an advocate or use the complaints or safeguarding route depending on the concern.
Next step