Advocacy is giving someone a voice. It’s a much-needed lifeline for people who lack capacity to make their own decisions.
Wigan Family Welfare’s free, independent, and confidential advocacy services are called upon in cases where there are no family members around. We help individuals make important decisions about their health and wellbeing. Sometimes we step in when an individual is estranged from their family or they simply don’t want family to be involved.
What does an Advocate do?
The primary role of an Independent Advocate is to represent the needs and views of the individual. You have to be empathetic and a good listener and communicator on many levels. We are there to make best interest decisions with, or on behalf of, those we represent. Cases are varied; from people with dementia to patients sectioned for their own safety in specialist mental health wards.
Patients often require signposting to professional advice and services. Our role might involve researching treatments, discussing these with doctors, and explaining what they mean to the patient.
Above all, we’re here to make decisions that are in the best interest of the individual.
How we’re providing advocacy support during lockdown
Under normal circumstances, our team will spend most of their time visiting patients and residents in care homes and hospitals. Since lockdown, we’ve been unable to visit in person. We’re providing all our advocacy support over the phone, and with this comes a number of challenges.
Advocacy by telephone makes it more difficult to pick up on signals and reactions. We often look to facial expressions and body language as a sign of how the person is feeling. We also use images to help people express their thoughts and feelings. Our advocacy team is learning and adapting to their new working conditions. Listening skills are coming to the fore to ensure every individual we represent receives the care and attention they need.
Positive outcomes
A surprising positive to come out of lockdown is that isolation appears to be benefiting some individuals. For patients with dementia, a more sedate way of life means they feel less confused. It’s incredible how residents have adapted so quickly to the new normal.
Of course, it’s terribly difficult for families unable to visit their loved ones during this time. But we’ve enjoyed reading about the wonderful creative activities being developed by care homes in the Wigan Borough. Staff are sharing ideas to boost spirits and entertain residents in online carers forums.
Carers are using their phones to help residents make video calls to family. They’ve held musical days, streamed concerts, played bingo and ensured nobody missed out on the VE day celebrations. We’ve even heard about a virtual tour of Hawaii using VR headsets!
Two strands of adult advocacy services
Our adult advocacy support is divided into two areas: mental health and mental capacity. Each area of work is governed by legislation and strict procedures must be followed. You can read more detail on the different advocacy services we provide by following the relevant links. Here’s a brief summary of each.
Independent Mental Health Advocacy
Working closely with staff on mental health wards, we represent the patient’s rights under the Mental Health Act. Our role is to understand what’s important to the patient and exercise that person’s rights, whether discussing safety concerns, exercising legal rights, or challenging medication choices. In some cases, we may also be asked to provide advocacy support to the patient’s family.
Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy
If there’s no family member to take on the role, we support people who lack mental capacity and make the best interest decisions on their behalf. Sufferers of dementia, Huntington’s disease or stroke patients are common cases. We carry out risk assessments and make decisions about medication, treatment and end of life planning. We assess that person’s options and consult with medical professionals, making sure the patient’s voice and views are always heard and prioritised.
In cases where medical treatment results in that person being deprived of their liberty, our independent mental capacity advocates are there to protect their human rights. We also represent individuals in legal proceedings and make decisions about their care, treatment, and any restrictions placed on them.
If you, or someone you know, would benefit from free, independent advocacy support, please contact us on 01942 867 888.