Who advocates? Best Interests Meeting - Dementia

[TurkeysarenotjustforChristmas]

Hoping there may be some social workers on here that can help?

DM has finally been assessed as not having mental capacity. She does not have PoA in place, and we are negotiating the Deputyship process for finances and property with the family. We have been advised by the solicitor and social worker the CoP are only giving out Deputyships for Welfare in extreme circumstances currently.

In this instance, who is her formal welfare advocate? My understanding is that the LA will put one in place who will facilitate Mum's views at a Best Interests Meeting. Our views will also be considered. And there will be a formal decision maker (likely to be a social worker). Is this correct?

And in practice how are decisions actually made? I am assuming DM's views will take precedence? Am a bit worried she may be discharged to home when she isn't fit and we go round the loop again.

Thanks

Hi, I would highly recommend Alzheimer's Society, they have an online forum similar to this one but specific to dementia. I used it a lot of the past ten years caring for a lived with Alzheimer's and found the advice given was excellent. Hope it helps you x

Sorry meant to type "loved one"

Welfare is meant to be by consensus and in my experience all parties are pretty good at listening to family and allowing the family to choose the pathways where there's no capacity. It's not an elderly person in our case so deputyship is for the long haul (and annual reports, please if reading and you have capacity, do your power of attorney paperwork before it's too late). The drs, care team, social workers etc do not act without consulting family unless an emergency and there's never been an issue

When my stepfather ended up losing capacity and needed to go into a home, I acted as his NOK, went to the relevant Best Interests meeting and the social worker very much saw me as his advocate. He had a DOLS and once again my views were actively sought and considered for every step of his care. I applied for, and received Deputyship for finances but didnt feel I needed to for Welfare as I already had a very close say in his welfare. Trust me, social workers will be more than happy for you to act as his advocate!