Commentary on Sections Section 18 - Powers of entry and inspection for purposes of formal investigation
In this Section the Commissioner is given the power when carrying out a formal investigation to at any reasonable time enter premises managed by a relevant authority in which an older person lives or is being held or is receiving for example care or education.  This power may be used in relation to a review of arrangements (Sections 5 and 6) or the investigation of a complaint (Section 8).  The Commissioner can inspect the state of the building, how it is managed, and can take copies of important documents (if the Commissioner considers it necessary).  The Commissioner can also interview in private any older person in the building, who consents to be interviewed, or anyone who works there.  The Commissioner does not have the power to enter a building that is someone’s private home.