My grandmother is worried that if my uncle gets the power to make decisions for her, she will be placed somewhere more like a mental health hospital than a seniors' residence. Could this happen?

It could happen, however, any effort to place an individual in a mental health facility is subject to very strict requirements in each province. Medical, social, and psychological opinions are required in order to place a person in mental health facilities. In addition, there are rights of appeal and review, and the obligation to notify other relatives and specified interested people and agencies.

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January 2006

see also:

• More Abuse of Older Adults FAQs

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