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You are here: BAILII >> Databases >> England and Wales Court of Protection Decisions >> Devon County Council v Martins & Anor (Rev 1) [2016] EWCOP 45 (10 June 2016) URL: http://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCOP/2016/45.html Cite as: [2016] EWCOP 45 |
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IN THE MATTER OF THE MENTAL CAPACITY ACT 2005
AND IN THE MATTER OF MANUEL MARTINS
B e f o r e :
____________________
DEVON COUNTY COUNCIL | Applicant | |
Manuel Martins (1) | ||
- and - | ||
Teresa Kirk (2) |
____________________
VICTORIA BUTLER-COLE (instructed by Irwin Mitchell on behalf of the Official Solicitor) appeared on behalf of the First Respondent.
TERESA KIRK appeared as a Litigant in Person.
____________________
Crown Copyright ©
MR. JUSTICE BAKER:
"Mr Martins is in my view vulnerable to influence. He has a very significant cognitive impairment, communication difficulties and is dependent on others for his care needs. There are concerns that Mrs Kirk is adversely influencing Mr Martins against his best interests. If this were the conclusion of the court, then it may be that he would need to live away from Mrs Kirk and without regular visits from her in order that his views, without that influence, could be determined."
"As Mr Martins' dementia progresses and his memory deteriorates, he will benefit more and more from being in the environment he has lived in for the majority of his adult life and having contact with people his past. If Mr Martins' returns to live in Sidmouth, it is my opinion that he will benefit from having significantly more terms of reference than in the place where Mrs Kirk lives and, as his memory worsens, these will become increasingly important to ensure his emotional wellbeing. I recognise that a further move at this stage in Mr Martins' life is not ideal. However, I am not aware of any reason why this should not take place."
In view of the uncertainties as to Mr Martins' property, the independent social worker recommended that he be provided with a period of rehabilitation in residential care, pending a decision as to whether or not it was feasible for him to return home, given the practical difficulties and also his particular needs.
"My impression was of a very clinical environment, more akin to a hospital than a home. There were very few home comforts evident around the house. Whilst we did not see all bedrooms, Mr Martins' room did not contain any of his belongings from home and, other than one photograph, there were no other pictures or ornaments. I am aware that Mr Martins' friends from Sidmouth have sent in photographs but these were not evident in his room".
"' Person Centred Dementia Care' is about understanding and responding to the person with dementia as an individual. It involves considering the whole person, taking into account not just their health condition but also each individual's life history, unique abilities, interests, preferences and needs. It is about building relationships with people with dementia and their family carers, putting them at the heart of decision-making, ensuring that the person is an equal partner in their health and care".
"Mr Martins has been for many years a recognised figure of the town and we had quite taken it for granted that he would continue living in Sidmouth with his cat, perhaps eventually moving into an immediately local care home where his many Sidmouth friends and acquaintances will be able to visit him in his declining years".
That encapsulates the consensus view amongst the friends and family of Mr Martins, with the exception of Mrs Kirk whose views I shall consider shortly.
1. It would coincide with Mr Martins' preferences when he had capacity. He chose to live in Sidmouth for 50 years and did not choose to move to Portugal when he first developed dementia, nor is there any evidence that he ever discussed that as an option for the future.
2. It is in accordance with, or at least not contrary to, his current wishes. He retains memories of his friends, the cat and the locality. He appeared to be distressed at their absence, suggesting that his emotional wellbeing may be improved in returning. There is no evidence that he does not want to return home.
3. There is the factor of social isolation. In England, he will be able to see as many friends and his cat as well as family members here.
4. There is the question of the appropriateness of the care home environment. If he moves to A House, it is likely that he will receive more appropriate person centred dementia care, including being referred to by his proper first name.
5. A return to this country accords with the views of people with an interest in Mr Martins' welfare other than TK. Those include JF, AF, Mr Martins' sister and other relations and friends.
1. It would cause a disruption to Mr Martins through the flight and transport to Sidmouth and a change of environment.
2. It is possible that, as a result, he may have less contact with some family members than he would do if he remained in Portugal.
3. It is likely that the cost of the care home would be more expensive in Devon.
1. Remaining there would mean there was no disruption caused by any return and travel.
2. He would remain in a home with which he has some familiarity, as opposed to moving to a home he has never visited.
3. His basic care needs appear to be being met.
4. The cost of the care in Portugal is less than it is in this country.
5. He will continue to have contact with those family members who are in Portugal.
6. Ms Butler-Cole records that TK has asserted that Mr Martins is happier in Portugal.
1. It is very unlikely that he would see any of his English friends again. It is possible that may be putting it rather high. Certainly however, it is fair to say that he would see very considerably less of his English friends than he would do if he were returned to this country.
2. Remaining in Portugal is not in accordance with those wishes Mr Martins expressed when he had capacity.
3. A return to Portugal conflicts with the views of all people, family and friends identified by the professionals, with the exception of Mrs Kirk.
4. There are the concerns about the appropriateness of the care offered in S House as described above.
5. It seems that, when Mr Martins' capital is depleted, if it is depleted while he is still alive, he may not be able to remain at the property.
Conclusion