What to check now my relative has been sectioned

[Lovemedo345]

My dear mum was sectioned under Section 2 over this BH weekend after the local crisis team cldnt sustain her at home. She spent nearly 24 hrs first in A&E but we are grateful she has been placed somewhere local and has her own room. I am due to visit day after tomorrow (live other side country). My dad has been wonderful however is exhausted and tearful and not up to advocating for her other than being there with her as much as possible . However they have not shared info with him about her care or medication and when another family member queried this was told they need to DBS check her first?? This doesnt make any sense to me as surely he has rights as her Nearest Relative.and there are no Safeguarding concerns plus my mum is patient not applying for a job! What should I be asking when I visit and what kind of info can my dad expect? There were some basic concerns about her care I need to address ie being given wrong foods ( she is coeliac) and my dad not being told what's happening re her meds. How can I do this in most effective way and what do I need to ask for? I googled and saw she can have Independent MH advocate, is this something you would reccomend me asking for? I think she will have limited ability to make informed decisions at minute as still very confused.
Thsnk you in advance

unfortunately unless you have power of attorney it is hard to get any information I would ask your father to get a print out of her care plan so you can all read it

She should be given information about the section 2 including appealing and having an advocate. Check with the hospital as you could look at that too. Ask about an admissions meeting with her care team to discuss background and care plan. Her nearest relative (your dad) should be included.
💐

Has your dad been given a carer’s pack? This should have the generic information about the section and hospital.

I think you and/or your dad should ask to attend the ward round, when they discuss her care. Also you need to be made aware if she is appealing her section.

Carers assessment for you dad done by a social worker
Pack from Ward containing Ward information, also info on MH Act.
Mum should have named nurse.
She's probably being held on a 72 hour section for assessment and then they'll decide if to detain under a section or voluntarily.
There should be an initial meeting to decide care and she will be provided with a care plan.
As for releasing information it's difficult. If your mum consents that's fine, if she doesn't and they deem her to have capacity then they won't tell you much.
Good luck

If she had a long standing mental health condition prior to being sectioned then she should have a care plan. This will give details of what has been agreed to happen in this eventuality. It will include the details of next of kin and carer who should be able to be consulted about her care.

Hello I just wanted to say thanks for all the advice, I did mean to update but it has been overwhelming. I am thankful for each of the suggestions and appreciate all posters for their helpful input at such a difficult time

@Lovemedo345, I hope you are ok and have support around you.

We are currently going through the same experience with my DMum and it feels never ending.

@Guiltyismyname thank you, it is a very particular kind of stress and sadness! I lucky to have a supportive brother and my husband has been great at looking after kids so I can visit. But yes very hard. My mum now off section and under DOLs, they are still really trying to understand what is wrong. I hope your mum is as ok as possible and that you similarly have support. It is very hard so I think we have to be kind to ourselves in the middle of all this x

@Lovemedo345 That’s really good your brother and husband are able to help and you have been able to visit your mum without the children. It makes it really hard when you are trying to juggle your own family/kids around supporting your parents.

I am an only child and my parents are quite isolated, but thankfully I do have support from my husband with the children etc so I’ve been able to see my Mum and try to help my Dad.

It’s good to hear your Mum is no longer under section but they are still supporting her to hopefully work out what is going on.

My Mum’s section wasn’t extended after the 28 days thankfully so that ended recently and she is also under DOLS at this point. They have been able to identify what they think it is and start on some medication which is hopefully slowly helping but there is a long way to go.

I am here to chat if you ever want a listening ear in similar circumstances.