Question about advanced vascular dementia.

[GentleOtter]

Would this come under mental health?

Also, would a person suffering from this for many years (and only a couple of months before death) be deemed as having full capacity? If so, who would be the person/s to determine mental capacity?

Something is puzzling me greatly about it.

Anyone?

I don't know if I've posted in the proper place.

Otter I might be able to give you some info but you would need to be a little bit more specific- person's situation etc..

Will help if I can.

Thank you EffieB. Would it be ok to CAT you?

Hi GentleOtter. My father has advanced vasular dementia and I'd be happy to answer any questions I can

I looked after my dad for almost twenty years until the last few months when I had ds2 and found it extremely difficult coping with (by now) vascular dementia, regular TIA's plus a brand new baby.

We were very pressured by 'various agencies' to place Dad in a residential home and we did so reluctantly.

A few weeks later, my Power of Attorney was revoked apparently on my father's insistance. I am unable to find out who deemed Dad fit to make this decision as he really was very unwell, confused and aggressive. He died shortly after.

The home never told me he had gone to hospital- I found out when I went to visit him and discovered he had been admitted a couple of days before. I stayed with him until he finally passed away.

I am now trying to sort things out but feel Dad had been coerced into making a decision when he had not full capacity.
There are irregularities which don't make sense and I know he was unable to write or even walk in the last few months.

I have reported this to the police (who said it was a legal matter but I am getting nowhere with the solicitors).

What should I do and who would deem my Dad's mental capacity in order for him to change his POA just before death?

Hi Otter, I'm so sorry, what a sad situation for you and your Dad. I'm afraid I can't help much with the legal side of things, if you're having no luck with Solicitors then CAB can be a useful starting point for some info.

Did your dad have a social worker? Can you get in touch and ask them for more info? Someone being unable to write or walk would not deem them to lack capacity in itself however, especially if he had a dementia that can fluctuate.

It is very poor that the Home didn't tell you he had gone in to hospital (were you next of kin?).

Hope you get some answers.