I visited mum and aunt this weekend. Both have been advised by their GP and their solicitor that if they antagonise social services then social services can indeed “take over” and dictate what happens with uncle. That includes entry to the house. As for respite care, uncle has always been taken there and back by taxi. Nor will mum or aunt just dump him – he is their brother after all. They are seeking a psychiatric assessment to counter the latest claim by social services that uncle is able to make his own decisions, but I am not sure if it will help much. I live over 140 miles away so cannot be around to help, or get involved.