Urgent help/advice with mental health issue.

[Asa's Heart]

I doubt there would be any point.
We have an elderly relative with dementia we have POA for so we have the authority to talk to the GP about her. We have been concerned about her wandering off and all the GP said was nothing we can do until there is an incident!

Dementia is a terrible illness but I am unsure what it is you think the GP can do. Care is usually through family (I know as we did it for eight years), or through care and supervision via a care home. People with dementia are not locked in or sectioned. When they wander they are placing themselves at risk, but the police will just return to family. I can empathise with your plight. It took its toll on us as a family managing and caring for my partners dad.

 

[Asa's Heart]

Unfortunately the police are your best bet.
They can demand a sectioning if in thier opinion he is an immediate thread.

They usually ask the on call AMHP to assess. They are part of the mental health teams and work in the local authority emergency duty teams. Police haven’t the skills or powers to assess who need to be sectioned.

 

[denislawsbackheel]

Dementia is a terrible illness but I am unsure what it is you think the GP can do. Care is usually through family (I know as we did it for eight years), or through care and supervision via a care home. People with dementia are not locked in or sectioned. When they wander they are placing themselves at risk, but the police will just return to family. I can empathise with your plight. It took its toll on us as a family managing and caring for my partners dad.

At no time did I suggest I wanted her sectioned so get off your high horse.
I was pointing out how little help you can expect from a GP in dealing with people who need support.
One way or another we have been dealing with dementia for over ten years in the family.

 

[Asa's Heart]

At no time did I suggest I wanted her sectioned so get off your high horse.
I was pointing out how little help you can expect from a GP in dealing with people who need support.

I didn’t think I was on my high horse. I totally empathise as I said. I am being realistic about what GPS can do with people suffering from dementia. No offence meant, I have been there and understand. Genuine question, what is it that you think the GP can do for your loved one?

 

[Asa's Heart]

Depends on circumstances, could be causing fires. Obviously dementia isn't something that can be treated easily with medication, so unless there is a specialist unit or care home, there isn't any point of sectioning them.

That’s my point. With this horrible illness it’s care and supervision and there is little a GP can do.

 

[Tim of the Oak]

The authorities are very reluctant to section people.
Not least because they then become responsible for the entire care costs of the individual.

Also, when it was easier to section people, it was a bit of a money making racket for some.