Dementia Patients in Care – Important New Guidelines

The Supreme Court recently overturned a previous Court of Appeal decision and altered the whole landscape relating to the care of dementia patients. There has been a growing awareness that some dementia patients are locked away in nursing homes for little more than convenience.

Lady Hale gave the leading judgment in the case of Cheshire West. She stated:-

“If it would be a deprivation of my liberty to be obliged to live in a particular place, subject to constant monitoring and control, only allowed out under close supervision and unable to move away without permission even if such an opportunity became available, then it must be a deprivation of liberty for a disabled person. The fact that my living arrangements are comfortable and indeed make my life as enjoyable as it could possibly be should make no difference. A gilded cage is still a cage”.

This is a decision that will greatly assist people with dementia to stay living in their own home with appropriate help and support.

If you would like any further information please contact Trevor Price on 01768 862007.