Can Old Person Be Forced To Live In A Care Home

[johnk]

My sisters are trying to get our Mum into an old peoples home and she doesn't want to go. I think she is fine in the protected accomodation where she is at the moment. This isn't because they care about her but just want to dump the responsibility onto someone else.
Is there anyway they can force her to go?

[dannyk13]

The short answer is no, unless there is a medical reason that would necessitate her being put there.

[guilliebrougues]

Not if she is capable of making decisions for herself. I think you would have to take her to the G.P and ask him to confirm that she is of sound mind. A letter from him would also help.

[gangesboy]

Age UK have a free advice line. In addition to seeing a GP as already mentioned you might want to call them
http://www.ageuk.org.uk/

[johnk]

Thanks everyone, sounds like she's OK for a while. They're trying to make a big thing out of forgetting someones name and not being able to get a card out of the cellophane and stuff like that. She is on regular medication but takes it OK and I don't think the things they're picking up on are a cause of any risk.

[ummmm]

Forgetting someones name is common no matter what age you are.

Social services were on at my granddad for a good year to consider moving into a home. He just said no and there was nothing they could do about it because he was of sound mind (he kept having accidents) Eventually he agreed to trying one out for a couple of weeks and loved it and never left.

[chaptazbru2]

Your poor Mum, thank goodness she's got you.

[johnk]

Trying one out for a fortnight could be a good idea, I'll try and suggest it

[lcg]

no....that would be kidnapping! if she doesn't like what they are doing, i would advise her not to answer the door or the phone to them.

[lcg]

btw.....if your mum goes in one, it may be harder for her to try and leave (like going into a psych ward informally and then getting sectioned!). also, she may see you as nagging now as well. many older people get absent minded or find it difficult to unwrap things - i know i do and i am 39! if there is no abject danger, i would leave her to it. she is in supported (not protected) accommodation, which is between being independent and in a care home, so she is fine. you could get her an alarm button to wear round her neck for emergencies (even if she has some dotted about the house - they are useless if she falls or gets stuck on the loo) - the warden at her flats will know how to access this.

[woofgang]

normally I would agree about suggesting a trial but if your sisters are being that pushy it may be a better idea for your Mum to stay put if that is what she wants.

[maggiebee]

Families!!! If you mum is happy and settled where she is then she should be left alone to get on with her life. If she is in supported/sheltered accommodation then I feel the "warden" would let you know if he/she had any concerns. Got to be what's right for your mum, not convenient for your sisters!

[johnk]

Thanks everyone for your thoughtful answers, I am less worried now. She's quite happy as she is and I don't think I will suggest a trial, thanks for the warning lcg.