How to support a person with dementia who has been detained under the Mental Health Act
What to expect when someone with dementia is detained under the Mental Health Act.
- The Mental Health Act 1983
- Sections of the Mental Health Act for people with dementia
- The key roles in the Mental Health Act
- Safeguards and challenges to a detention under the Act
- You are here: How to support a person with dementia who has been detained under the Mental Health Act
- Guardianship
- Lasting powers of attorney and deputies
- Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards and the Mental Capacity Act 2005
The Mental Health Act 1983 and guardianship
When someone is detained under the Mental Health Act, this can be very frightening for them and also those close to them. It is not a familiar process and people sometimes have very negative perceptions from films and other media.
Whilst the ward environment is designed to focus on the safety of patients, the staff are specially trained to support and care for them, and to make their time in hospital as comfortable as possible.
Many people would ideally want the person to be given the assessment and treatment they need in the community. Whilst that option should always be considered, it is not always possible.
Some people find that use of the Mental Health Act is the only option in a very difficult situation. It can be a way for the person to get the specialist help they need .
Where will someone be detained?
The place where the person is detained may either be a mental health ward in a general hospital, or a specialist mental health hospital. There may be just patients with dementia there or patients with other mental health issues.
Whilst efforts should be made to place the person in a hospital or ward close to their family or local community, this is not always possible. In practice, the ward or hospital may be quite a way from where the person or those close to them live.
This might be because of a shortage of suitable places nearby or just a shortage of places in general.
If the person also has physical health conditions that require treatment while they are detained, they may need to go to a general hospital and then transfer back again to the mental health ward or hospital. This can be disorientating and frustrating, particularly if it happens several times.
Can you visit someone who has been detained in hospital?
There will be restrictions around who can visit. Many wards do not allow people under 16 to visit. There may also be restrictions on items that the person or family and friends can take in. This can be hard to get used to.
It’s important to remember, however, that visits are still possible. Ask the staff about visiting arrangements. If you are worried about visiting, staff may be able to accompany you to begin with.
Supporting the person with dementia in hospital
Although mental health wards and hospitals are in many ways quite different from general hospitals, there are some similarities.
Many of the things that can help a person with dementia in a general hospital can still be useful.
This might include taking in familiar objects or explaining to ward staff the person’s likes and routines. Ask staff how you can still be involved in the person’s care if you want to be.
Involvement of the nearest relative and others
Those close to the person, including the ‘nearest relative’, should be involved in meetings and decisions about their care wherever possible and where the person agrees.
If the person lacks the ability (legally known as ‘mental capacity’) to agree, then decisions about how far others are involved in their care planning should be made in the person’s best interests.
It may be possible for these discussions to take place when visiting or at the regular ward round by doctors.
There will also be regular meetings involving everyone in the person’s care which those close to them can attend either in person or online. They can ask when meetings are going to happen and how they can contribute.
Support for carers
Experiencing a person you care for being detained under the Mental Health Act can be very distressing. It is important that carers look after themselves and seek support. Staff on the ward may be able to provide information about support available.
It can often help to talk to friends and family or to other people who have been through a similar event. The Dementia Support Forum, our online community, is a good place to share experiences and talk to people in a similar situation.
It may also help to speak to a counsellor or therapist. They could provide impartial advice and support to help cope with the emotional impact of the situation.
Our Dementia Support Line offers space to talk things through and can provide more help. There are also some specialist mental health helplines, including Mind, that can offer practical and emotional support. Some can also offer legal help.
Benefits when someone is in hospital
It is important that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is told if a person goes into any type of hospital, including when they are detained under the Mental Health Act. This can be done on their behalf by a family member or friend.
Some benefits stop if the person has been in hospital for a certain amount of time. Any Carer’s allowance that a carer receives may also be affected.
Things to consider after a person with dementia leaves hospital
There are different places a person with dementia may be discharged to after a stay in hospital. This will depend on their needs.