Glenda is 80 years old. She lives in and receives care and treatment at a care home. 

She had a stroke seven years ago which affected her balance and caused her to feel confused and find it difficult to concentrate for long periods. Glenda was supported to return home from hospital with a package of care and given practical and emotional support from her family. However, Glenda had further mini strokes.

Following another stroke, Glenda was admitted to hospital and from there discharged to a rehab unit for enablement and assessment. Glenda unfortunately did not make progress there and moved to a care home. Initially, Continuing Healthcare funded Glenda’s stay in the care home but following a further NHS assessment, funding was withdrawn, and Glenda was moved to her current care home placement.

During this period, Glenda continually expressed a desire to return to the home she purchased together with her late husband. Glenda said she did not feel she has any care needs and feels she would be able to live independently.

Because it was felt that it was in Glenda’s best interests to live in the care home, a Deprivation of Liberty was agreed by her Best Interest’s Assessor so that she could not just decide to go home. Because of the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) and because she did not have family or friends willing or able to represent her, Glenda was assigned a Relevant Person’s Paid Representative (RPPR) to explain her rights to her, and how she can use those rights.

Enara, a POhWER RPPR met Glenda at the care home. Glenda told Enara she felt she was well cared for, and could not fault the current placement, but she felt that living there was akin to being in prison and she really wanted to return to living at home. Glenda told Enara that spending time outside in nature and getting out in the community to do normal things like shopping or going to the hairdressers are important to her.

Enara listened to and noted down Glenda’s views, and explained what the DoLS rules meant for Glenda. Enara explained that if Glenda objected to the placement and wished to return home that she could be supported to challenge the DoLS legally. Glenda asked Enara to support her to do this and chose a solicitor who Enara appointed on Glenda’s behalf to challenge the DoLS.

Enara supported Glenda to meet twice with the solicitor and to express her views. During this process Enara maintained regular contact with the solicitor, enabling communication between Glenda and the solicitor so they could provide updates and answer any questions - this streamlined the process and reduced interference to Glenda’s daily routines.

Enara raised several areas of Glenda’s care needs with the solicitor and local authority teams, such as ensuring DoLS conditions were being correctly monitored by the care home, and increasing the time Glenda spent outside and out in the community, something that had mainly been made possible by a befriender. Unfortunately, following the befriender’s retirement, Glenda’s access to the community was severely reduced. These matters were worked on by the care home, and the solicitor made sure to discuss them during the Court of Protection hearing, where the DoLS would be challenged. These improvements to ensure Glenda can spend time outside and engage in her local community are likely to significantly improve her mood and quality of life. 

The Court of Protection proceedings are currently ongoing. Enara continues to meet with Glenda to discuss ongoing progress, provide updates and ensure Glenda remains aware and involved with the legal challenge.

Meanwhile, Glenda is pleased to be able to access the garden of the care home, visit the local park, shops, and hairdressers. She goes out twice a week and is looking into joining a local craft group.