There is concern about whether Mary is as independent as she was before the fall and how she has become more forgetful. I think as nurses, we have to respect what her preferences and needs are but also acknowledge whether she has the mental capacity to know what is best for her. It is evident that Mary is becoming more vulnerable and that she is in need of extra support, whether that be nurses/carers visiting Mary at home or discharging her into a residential care home.

Under the Mental Health Act, the family have the right to have Mary’s mental health/capacity assessed to see whether she is capable of making her own decisions. If not, we as nurses, would work together with Mary’s family (who would make decisions on behalf of her) to make sure Mary gets the treatment that benefits her the most.