I have recently become aware that anyone in a care home who has a deprivation of liberty order (DoL) in place is deemed to be in "state detention" when they die. This means that their body will have to be taken to a morgue under police escort and formally identified by a relative - even though they may have been with them when they died. An inquest then takes place before the body can be released for burial - which could take weeks.
My father is in the later stages of dementia in a care home and I found out today (after asking) that he has had a DoL in place for 18months as he is not allowed out of the home unaccompanied. I knew nothing about the DoL despite my having Power of Attorney for his health and well being, though I knew he could not go out alone. The document had been completed by a Manager who has since left and was held in her office - not in his care plan.
I am horrified that this process may have to be gone through after my father's death - it must also apply to many other elderly people with dementia in care homes - Can anyone else share their experience or knowledge of this?
My father is in the later stages of dementia in a care home and I found out today (after asking) that he has had a DoL in place for 18months as he is not allowed out of the home unaccompanied. I knew nothing about the DoL despite my having Power of Attorney for his health and well being, though I knew he could not go out alone. The document had been completed by a Manager who has since left and was held in her office - not in his care plan.
I am horrified that this process may have to be gone through after my father's death - it must also apply to many other elderly people with dementia in care homes - Can anyone else share their experience or knowledge of this?