Can Someone be sectioned when the house is dirty and they are a bit fogetfull?

[Rog1219]

Can Someone be sectioned when the house is dirty and they are a bit fogetfull and they can't cope?

[Lollyhoney]

I work at a hospital and a part of my job is planning the patients discharges. It's a common thing nowadays to see patients admitted for no other reason than that they cannot manage at home anymore. This does not mean that they would be eligable to be sectioned. We simply refer the patients to social services who come and asses the patient and work out what help they need. The patient and families wishes are all considered and then a package of care is set up to suit the individual. In some cases residential placement is organised but only with the patients consent. If the patient does not consent then we cannot do anything. The only time a placement/ package of care can be organised without consent is when Doctors feel that the person in question does not have the capacity or insight to provide ones self a safe environment to live in. This usually happens in severe or end stage dementia, not if someone is disorientated/muddled. It is not something that is taken lightly either, thorough assesments are made by health and care professionals, and are not based on hearsay.

There is plenty of help out there to help people to live in their own homes independently. See the GP of the person in question if you are concerned and request a social services assesment.