Hello Sue
As others have said, each case of dementia is different. However it might help to know that my father was sectioned in similar circumstances and that they did manage to change his medication so that he became calmer. It can take some time as much of it is trial and error. Sometimes the person also needs a higher level of staff care ratio. The progression of the dementia can result in the person becoming aggressive because they are frightened, as they cannot understand why people are trying to wash them, change their clothes etc. I found my father was better when moved to the assessment unit where there were more staff to look after him and who could carry out care interventions to fit in with his mood. In a normal care home the staff are often rushed and have to work to a routine. Each case is individual and the sectioning allows for a proper assessment to take place. Make sure you are kept fully informed about what is happening. We found the allocation of a community psychiatric nurse (CPN) to be very helpful in this. Ask for an appointment to meet the consultant psychiatrist and talk through the planned medication and care. It may well be that your mum will become calmer and be able to return to her care home. If this isn't the case then the national health service has a responsibility to offer care suited to her needs, which could be in a specialist home with a higher staff ratio. Initially I felt very upset by the sectioning decision, but in the end it was in my father's best interests as I felt he received better care. You ahould also be aware that if the sectioning is extended to a longer term arrangement, all care costs are covered by the national health. I know that's a side issue, but it's something you should be given information on. I think in most cases the medics are able to adjust medication to reduce or remove the aggression, so I hope this is so for your mum.
Blue sea
