Mr T (74): DoLS example from practice

Mr T, a widower of 74, lives in a care home. He has dementia. His only relative in this country is his daughter Jane.

Following a stroke, Mr T’s confusion increased, and he began leaving the home, even climbing out of windows, because he thought his mother was calling him. The care home believed it was depriving him of his liberty by repeatedly preventing him from leaving, so gave itself an urgent authorisation and requested a standard one.

The best interests assessor discovered that Jane T was a police officer currently on night duty. She had never heard of the Safeguards, and greatly wanted to be part of the assessment process for her father. The urgent authorisation was extended for two days until her shift pattern changed and it was possible for her to be at the care home when the best interests assessor visited.

Read more: Supervisory bodies: DoLS roles and responsibilities