If someone you care about has a mental
illness, learning disability or dementia, there may be times when
they need your support.
Of course, the person is still the same
husband, wife, relative or friend that you have always known. You
can still have the same rewarding relationship, but they may need
some extra help.
This could include emotional or
practical support, but it could also mean that you have certain
legal rights and responsibilities.
For example, if someone become unwell
and has to be detained in hospital, or "sectioned", they may
nominate you as their named person. Or if they don't have capacity
to make certain decisions, you may be able to apply for
guardianship, so that you can make some of those decisions for
them. If they do have capacity they may choose to draw up a Power
of Attorney authorising you to make certain decisions on their
behalf.
The Mental Welfare Commission can help
you to understand more about what the law says about your role as a
carer, and about the rights of the person you care
for.
Caring can be hard. There may be times
when you feel that you need support for yourself. You might find it
helpful to speak to other people who have had similar experiences,
or find out more about the support that is available for
you.
