Dementia Action Week – See the person, not the process

Alan is one of our Independent Advocates who provides our Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) service to people who are subject to a Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) authorisation. This is often the case for people living with dementia so for #DementiaActionWeek we’re sharing a story from Alan’s caseload, showing the importance of seeing the person and not just the processes around them.

“For people living with dementia, being listened to, represented and remembered as a person is vital”

"John* is living with dementia and finds it very difficult to understand where he is, what time it is and how to express his views. Conversations with John can often be difficult to follow and his life had become very unsettled and confusing following a number of moves between different care settings.

"The last of these moves saw John placed in a care home outside of the local area, involving a number of professionals and agencies in the decision-making process. Because of John’s dementia and communication difficulties, it would have been easy for professionals to focus only on care arrangements and practical decisions.

"But advocacy is about more than processes, it is about the person.

"As John’s Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR), I have spent a lot of time getting to know him, observing how he communicates, understanding his routines and trying to build a picture of what matters to him. Even where communication is limited, these interactions are incredibly important. They help ensure John’s wishes, feelings and wellbeing continue to be considered.

"During visits, it became clear that John did not appear to have access to personal funds for basic items that would improve his comfort and quality of life, including replacement clothing and a television for his room.

"I raised this with the care home manager and the out-of-area Deprivation of Liberty team, requesting support to review John’s financial arrangements. As a result, work is now underway to ensure John can safely access his money to purchase the things he needs and enjoys.

"Sometimes advocacy is about major life decisions. Sometimes it is about safeguarding dignity, comfort and identity through the smaller day-to-day things that matter deeply to someone’s wellbeing.

"For people living with dementia, being listened to, represented and remembered as a person is vital. This was a complex case, but so worthwhile in getting results for John."

For more information about our services, visit www.yvc.org.uk/advocacy.

Alan Davison, Independent Advocate

*Name changed to protect privacy.