What should be done if a resident is refusing care?

When a resident refuses care, it is crucial to respect their wishes. This approach is rooted in the principle of patient autonomy, which acknowledges the right of individuals to make decisions about their own bodies and health care. By respecting the resident's decision, you validate their feelings and choices, which is fundamental in building trust and the caregiver-resident relationship.

Reporting the refusal to a nurse is also important because it ensures that the healthcare team is aware of the situation and can monitor the resident's condition or provide appropriate interventions if necessary. This action keeps the communication open amongst all parties involved, allowing for a coordinated response that takes into account the resident's needs and preferences.

Forcing someone to comply can lead to physical and emotional harm, and ignoring their refusal dismisses their autonomy and can increase feelings of fear or distrust. Offering incentives could potentially undermine the genuineness of the resident's consent and may not be ethically appropriate. Thus, respecting the resident's wishes while informing the healthcare team is the most effective and ethical course of action when dealing with care refusals.