Medical Examination and Treatment

In some cases, a medical examination may be required as part of the evaluation to:

• establish whether any injuries have been caused by abuse or are accidental;

For example, is the bruise on the side of a person with dementia commensurate with stumbling against a table or is the cause more likely to be non-accidental?

• identify any medical treatment required for the adult at risk because of the alleged abuse.

Consent and Medical Examinations

Consent of the adult at risk should be sought.

If the individual does not have capacity to consent, a decision should be made as to whether it is in the person’s best interests (Section 4 Mental Capacity Act (2005)) for a medical examination, which may be intrusive, to be conducted.

If the decision is taken it is in their best interests, then consider:

• Preserving forensic evidence, for example clothing;
• The involvement of any family members or carers;
• Support the adult at risk, for example by establishing who is the most appropriate person to accompany them;
• Refer the individual for an advocate.