What do we mean by consent?
Consent means the care recipient agrees to care or support after:
Understanding what is being offered
Having time to consider it
Feeling free to say yes or no
Consent is:
Person-led
Ongoing (not a one-off)
Specific to each task
Someone can consent to one thing and refuse another — both must be respected.
Your responsibilities as a carer
You must always:
Ask for consent before providing care
Explain what you are about to do in clear, simple language
Check the person is comfortable and understands
Respect the person’s right to refuse or change their mind
Record consent or refusal in daily notes where required
Raise concerns promptly if consent is unclear or withdrawn
Consent applies to all care, including:
Personal care
Medication support
Mobility support
Observations and checks
Assistance with daily living tasks
Supporting people with Learning Disabilities or Autism
Some people may need extra support to give informed consent.
You must:
Use the person’s preferred communication method
Allow extra time to process information
Reduce sensory distractions where possible
Use visual aids, easy-read explanations, or demonstrations
Avoid rushing or repeating questions in a pressuring way
👉 Never assume someone lacks capacity because they have LD or Autism, communicate differently, or make an “unwise” choice.
What if someone refuses care?
People have the right to refuse care if they have capacity.
If someone refuses:
Stay calm and respectful
Check they understand what’s being offered and why
Give them time and space
Do not force or pressure them
Record the refusal
Inform the care management team if refusal:
Puts them at risk
Is repeated
Is new or unexpected
Never force care — this may be unlawful and unsafe.
Mental capacity: what carers need to know
Capacity is decision-specific and can change over time.
A person may lack capacity for one decision but not others.
As a carer:
You do not decide capacity formally
You do raise concerns if you believe someone may not understand a decision
You must follow guidance from care management once a capacity assessment or best-interest decision is in place
If someone lacks capacity, decisions are made under the Mental Capacity Act, in their best interests, with proper authorisation.
Best interest decisions & representatives
If a person lacks capacity:
Decisions may be made by:
A legally appointed representative (LPA / Deputy), or
A best-interest decision following formal process
As a carer:
Follow the care plan exactly
Do not go beyond what is authorised
Raise concerns if something feels unclear or unsafe
Consent and medication
Before giving medication, you must:
Confirm consent at the time of administration
Check the person understands what the medication is for (where possible)
Respect refusal and follow the medication policy
Record refusals accurately and escalate if repeated
Covert medication is never allowed unless formally authorised — this will always be clearly documented.
Recording consent
You should:
Record consent or refusal in daily notes where relevant
Follow any instructions in the care plan
Note any communication aids or adjustments used
Report changes in consent, understanding, or behaviour
Good records protect:
The care recipient
You
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When to escalate immediately
Contact the care management team if:
Someone repeatedly refuses essential care
You believe someone may lack capacity
Consent suddenly changes
There is disagreement or distress around care
You feel pressured to provide care without consent
Key reminders
Consent is about respect and dignity, not just compliance
Consent can be withdrawn at any time
LD or Autism does not mean lack of capacity
When in doubt — pause and escalate
Need help or advice?
If you’re unsure about consent in any situation, contact the care management team straight away via out help centre chat messenger or email:
It’s always right to ask.