stage: 5

The rights a person with dementia keeps in a care home — and how to make sure they're upheld

People with dementia living in care homes retain fundamental rights regardless of the stage of their condition. These include the right to be treated with dignity and respect, the right to be involved in decisions about their care to the extent they are able, the right to privacy, the right to maintain contact with family and friends, and the right to raise complaints without fear of reprisal. Care homes registered with the CQC are required to meet standards that protect these rights. If the person lacks capacity to make specific decisions, those decisions must still be made in their best interests under the Mental Capacity Act 2005, not simply for the convenience of the home or the family. A Lasting Power of Attorney gives a named individual the legal authority to advocate on the person's behalf.