Nigel is in his eighties. He was living alone in his own home when a neighbour submitted a safeguarding concern after Nigel was seen near his home appearing confused. Nigel has a history of hoarding, and there were concerns about the condition of his home. Nigel was initially admitted to hospital and later discharged to a health centre to await assessment.

The social worker who referred Nigel to POhWER mentioned to Nigel that they thought it might be in his best interest for him to live in a care home. The social worker thought Nigel may lack capacity to decide where he should live.

Tom, a POhWER Advocate, was appointed as Nigel’s advocate. Tom arranged to visit Nigel to ascertain Nigel’s feelings and wishes on where he would like to live and what needs he has. Tom met with two on-duty nurses beforehand to find out what Nigel’s emotional and physical needs were.

When Tom visited Nigel, he was sitting in his room watching television. Nigel was focused, engaged, and able to speak clearly. It was obvious to Tom that Nigel had capacity; he was able to tell Tom that the social worker was trying to put him in a care home and that he didn’t want that. Nigel agreed to allow the hoarding team access to his home to make his home safe. Nigel was also able to provide Tom with insight into why he sometimes refused personal care. Nigel told Tom that some of the carers were, in his words, “bossy,” and he would decline personal care because of this. However, when staff spoke to him kindly, he happily cooperated with them.

Tom completed a comprehensive report to be sent to the referring social worker. In the report, he clearly laid out what had transpired during his time with Nigel and cited Nigel’s wishes and feelings. In his report, Tom made it comprehensively clear that Nigel has full capacity, has had his freedom inhibited for 3 weeks, and that Nigel must be allowed to return home and all discussions of moving into a care home should stop. He also made it clear that he would be challenging any decision on Nigel’s behalf that would prevent Nigel from returning to his home as soon as possible. He also ensured that Nigel was provided with contact information so he could get in touch if he felt worried or concerned and needed further support. Tom was provided written confirmation by the social worker that this had also been done.

Nigel was granted his wish to return home. The social worker arranged for the hoarding team to clean up Nigel’s home so it would be safe for him.

Nigel was so pleased that his feelings and wishes had been heard and amplified and that he was able to return home.