A 82-year-old man with vascular dementia (MMSE 13/30) lives with his wife. He has been wandering outside at night and was found by police 2 miles from...

Question

A 82-year-old man with vascular dementia (MMSE 13/30) lives with his wife. He has been wandering outside at night and was found by police 2 miles from home on two occasions. He does not recognise the danger and lacks capacity to make decisions about his own safety. His wife is exhausted. She holds a Health and Welfare LPA. What is the MOST appropriate step?

Accepted Answer

Arrange a multidisciplinary review to discuss options including environmental modifications (door alarms, GPS tracker), increased carer support, and, if necessary, a move to a specialist care setting - any restriction of liberty must be lawfully authorised through DoLS if he lacks capacity

Answer

His wife, as LPA, can unilaterally decide to place him in a locked dementia unit

Answer

Call the police to arrest him for trespassing

Answer

Remove his shoes so he cannot leave the house

Answer

Do nothing as it is his right to wander

uk-dgm MCQ (SBA): Wandering in Dementia - Risk Management and DoLS