What action should be taken if a resident refuses care?

The appropriate action when a resident refuses care is to respect their decision and document it. It is important to understand that residents have the right to make choices about their own care, including the right to refuse treatment. This autonomy is a fundamental aspect of patient care and is rooted in ethical and legal principles.

When a resident expresses refusal, acknowledging their decision demonstrates respect for their personal preferences and individual rights. Clear documentation of the refusal helps ensure that all members of the healthcare team are aware of the situation and can take appropriate steps to follow up or address any concerns later. This also provides a record that might be important for future care decisions.

While insisting on compliance may be seen as a way to ensure a resident’s health, it can lead to increased resistance, anxiety, and a breakdown of trust between the resident and the care team. Ignoring the refusal is also inappropriate, as it fails to honor the resident's rights or promote respectful care. Reporting the refusal only if it leads to harm overlooks the necessity of addressing and documenting the refusal itself regardless of immediate outcomes.