Gary is an elderly gentleman who had been admitted to a residential care home after his health deteriorated due to dementia. Before moving to the home Gary had lived with his wife in their family home they had shared for many years. Soon after moving to the home, an assessment was undertaken on Gary, and he was found to lack capacity in relation to his residency and care and support needs and a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguard (DoLS) was authorised for him, however, Gary's wife wanted him to move back home and did not think he should be deprived of his liberty at the care home.
People First were instructed by the Supervisory Body to undertake the role of Relevant Person's Representative (RPR) to support Gary in relation to the DoLS authorisation that was in place for him. The RPR visited Gary on several occasions at the care home and gathered his views and wishes in relation to his placement and care and support needs, they also spoke to Gary's wife as well as the support staff at the care home, to help form an understanding of Gary's life and care and support needs.
From the information the RPR gathered, it became clear that Gary wanted to remain living at the care home and that over the months Gary had lived there, his mental health and wellbeing had vastly improved.
During the many occasions the RPR had spoken to Gary during visits to him, it became clear that Gary wanted to remain living at the care home and that over the months he had lived there, his mental health and wellbeing had vastly improved.
I don't want to move, I'm happy here. - Gary
Advocacy support was very effective as prior to the IMCA’s involvement, it seemed that Gary's views and wishes had not been properly considered and there was a risk that he would have been moved back home which may have led to a decline in his wellbeing.
If you would like to find out more about how our Independent Mental Capacity Advocates (IMCA) can help you, please read our 'Good to Know' guide here.
Support from an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA) is free, confidential and independent from health and care services.
If you think you are eligible for a independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA), please reach out to your social worker or local Adult Social Care office.
If you have tried to contact your social worker or local office and have had difficulty, please contact us directly and we can help you.
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