A Clinician's Brief Guide to Dementia and the Law

‘This book provides relevant information in a concise, practical, easy-to-read format for mental health professionals.’ Olivia Colombo, Doody’s Reviews‘I would urge any social worker or health and social care professional involved in adult social care to read it. It is written for professionals working with people with dementia, but the law outlined is accessible and invaluable to social workers or social care managers requiring a solid understanding of adult social care law generally. Indeed, it would also benefit social work students before embarking on final year placements involving people with dementia, brain injuries, mental health and learning disabilities.’ Jay Kirkham, British Journal of Social Work‘This is undoubtedly an excellent and very readable book. It is packed with practical and sage advice. It covers an impressively comprehensive breadth of issues and is ideal for healthcare professionals working with people with dementia of any age. I’d suggest it is a must for care homes, community and in-patient teams to have a copy handily available.’ Martin Curtice, BJPsych Bulletin

Nick Brindle is a retired consultant in Old Age Psychiatry and has published widely in the spheres of mental health law and psychiatry. He is lead author for this book and the most recent editions of the Clinician’s Guides to both the Mental Health Act (2022) and Mental Capacity Act (2015).

Michael Kennedy is a barrister and Director of the Mental Health and Court of Protection Department with Switalskis Solicitors, Leeds. He represents clients in the Court of Protection, in the High Court concerning the inherent jurisdiction and patients detained under the Mental Health Act in the First Tier Tribunal.

Christian Walsh is a qualified Social Worker and is currently the Strategic Lead (Mental Health) for NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care. He is an experienced Best Interest Assessor and AMHP and has taught and presented on numerous university courses and conferences on social work, mental health law and capacity.

Ben Alderson is a Consultant in Old Age psychiatry in Leeds and Consultant Clinical Teaching Fellow. He is a member of the Royal College of Psychiatrists and has achieved an MSc in Psychiatry and LLM in Mental Health Law.