An elderly person remains at the centre of decisions concerning his or her health. For the family, a situation of refusal may give rise to concern. The challenge is to open up the dialogue and to solicit the professionals, while distinguishing the wishes expressed, the facts observed and the questions that remain to be resolved.
The principle of consent
Article L1111-4 of the Public Health Code provides for free and informed consent for medical acts and treatments. Such consent may be withdrawn. The doctor informs the person and intervenes in accompanying his decision, in particular when the refusal endangers his life.
When the person cannot express his or her will, or when a legal protection measure exists, special rules apply. The role of the trusted person, family or representative depends on the situation. The status of the caregiver does not give him or her general authority to decide the care. Ask the care team to specify the applicable framework.
How can I react to a refusal at home?
Listen to the words of the loved one and ask a simple question: "What worries you about this treatment? " Leave an answer time, avoid several people talking at the same time and pass the difficulty on to the professional concerned. An explanation may be necessary; the medical decision must not be improvised by the entourage.
Do not hide a medicine in a food and do not change its dose on your own initiative. For a planned but refused treatment, contact the professional to know what to do. If the situation appears urgent or if the condition deteriorates rapidly, call 15 or 112.
Transmit without judgment
A useful note describes what happened. Prefer "At 8:30 a.m., says he doesn't want to take care because he scares her; nurse warned " to a formula like "hard person". The first transmission gives the professional a starting point to understand the situation.
- Indicate the date, time and care involved.
- Take back the helpful words of the loved one without interpreting them.
- Note the persons contacted and the answers received.
- Specify the next action and who is responsible for it.
Limit sharing to those who need this information for accompaniment. A family note does not replace the medical record or the professional's collection of consent.
Preparing for the next visit
With the consent of the relative, group the questions to ask during the appointment. preparation guide for a medical appointment helps avoid oblivion. care journal facilitates the relay between authorised persons, without turning a transmission into a care decision.
Legal source
Legislation: Article L1111-4 of the Public Health Code. Accessed October 10, 2026. For a complex individual situation, seek advice from the health care team or a legal professional.
Put this organisation into practice with Tribulys
Keep your care journal, shared calendar, tasks, medication tracking and emergency information together. Start for free and invite the relatives and professionals involved in your loved one’s care.