Justice for 91 year-old – Locked Up in Dementia Unit
Essex County Council should be thoroughly ashamed after keeping a 91 year-old man in a LOCKED dementia unit against his wishes for 17 months.
This was despite his repeated insistence that he wanted to go home and expert advice that said he was capable of deciding where to live.
Thankfully the tireless work of a friend means that the man has been returned home to be reunited with his beloved cat Fluffy and awarded £60,000 in damages by a judge.
The social workers who effectively imprisoned the man for no reason did so without a shred of respect for his dignity. He was taken from his home of 50 years while wearing his dressing gown and no trousers.
This is indicative of a social care system that all too often completely fails to demonstrate common sense and compassion. This is especially the case for the elderly and those with dementia who are frequently not given the standard of treatment they deserve.
As the judge rightly said the council’s conduct was “reprehensible”. They deprived the man of his liberty and subjected him to a cruel and lengthy ordeal.
It is horrifying to think of others who find themselves in the same position but are not fortunate enough to have friends or family willing and able to take on the authorities.
I have known of a couple of cases where someone in receipt of support and or care was deemed to have no choice in where they were moved to, …. one person was in a locked care home despite saying to a relative repeatedly that she wanted to return home and he was unable to help her achieve this but tried and it cost him a lot in solicitors and legal fees etc… it is scary because the average person does not have the knowledge of the system or finances to fight big local authorities on their own… and local authorities are becoming less personal and working in a manner which is more faceless and focusing on the cheapest and best option for the masses???
Hi Heather – thank you for your comment. I think you expanded on the post’s last paragraph very well. Also, there are ‘timeframe’ issues as the post demonstrates.
I think the case was more complicated than the gentleman just wanting to return home; his family were against his return, therefore the wishes of the family overrode the wishes of the gentleman. Heather is right, county councils are faceless, a fine and a telling off from a judge does not quite cut the mustard as, nobody is accountable for their actions and the fine is paid out of the public purse. The social workers remain anonymous, unlike healthcare professionals and police who get it wrong. Jillda
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