what would you do Capacity and decision making,

admin 12/10/26 Dignity Champions forum

WWYD
Refuses the Help They May Need
A gentleman aged 70 has been experiencing seizures, approximately one a month. Recently, the seizures have been lasting longer, and staff are becoming increasingly concerned.
When paramedics attend and attempt to take him to hospital, he becomes aggressive, swearing and hitting out at the crew. He adamantly refuses to go.
He also refuses all prescribed medication for his seizures.
When his mental capacity is assessed, he answers questions appropriately and can explain what his medication is for. However, he completely denies that he has seizures.
Staff are faced with a difficult situation.
He appears able to understand information and communicate his wishes, yet his denial of having seizures raises questions about whether he understands and acknowledges the risks associated with refusing treatment.
The paramedics are concerned about his deteriorating condition. Staff are concerned about his safety, but they also recognise his right to make decisions about his own life.
How do we balance a person’s right to refuse treatment with our responsibility to protect them from serious harm?
If someone can explain what their medication is for but denies the very condition it treats, is that enough to establish that they have capacity to refuse it?