Refusing to eat - can he be sectioned?

zaksmum

Bennifred wrote: »

Has he said why he is refusing to eat?

He's never been a big eater but after an operation 2 years ago (after a heart attack) he hasn't been able to do as much. He is quite depressed about this, but I don't think he actually sees not eating as wanting to die.

He has a supportive loving family who have done everything to persuade him to eat but he just says he doesn't want to.

Barneysmom

Hi op is your uncle able to drink anything as he could try some Ensure drinks which will really help him.

zaksmum

animum wrote: »

hi. is it the hopsital food he is refusing, or ALL food? could someone maybe take in some of his favourite meals.....in small portions to start with? even some drinks would be a start. its very common for the elderly to get into a downward spiral in hospital. maybe even a trip out to a local cafe? I dont know if this is possible due to the nature of whatever he is in hospital for, but getting away, even if its just for twenty mins or so, may just perk him up a bit.

He is refusing ALL food. Despite offers to take him to the hospital cafe he's just not interested.

I can't speak to the doctors as he has his own wife and children. He's forbidden them to speak to the doctors too.

Gingham_Ribbon

I had someone sectioned due to loss of weight caused by refusing to eat. She had anorexia. And was four and a half stone.

It was difficult, for all of us, including her, but in this case she was a teenager and it took the local councillor getting involved to finally get the section.

I'm not suggesting it's the same sort of situation, or that your uncle should be sectioned, just that yes, it's possible to have someone sectioned for that reason.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

zaksmum wrote: »

He is refusing ALL food. Despite offers to take him to the hospital cafe he's just not interested.

I can't speak to the doctors as he has his own wife and children. He's forbidden them to speak to the doctors too.

Sounds like intervening either way would be a mistake.

If he is of sound mind, then it is his choice. If he isn't, then a specialist will determine this and he will be compelled to undergo treatment.

Either way, you won't be thanked for trying to help.

Gingham_Ribbon

Jojo_the_Tightfisted wrote: »

Sounds like intervening either way would be a mistake.

If he is of sound mind, then it is his choice. If he isn't, then a specialist will determine this and he will be compelled to undergo treatment.

Either way, you won't be thanked for trying to help.

One would hope. That's not always the case though. Sometimes families have to advocate for patients.

Heart_Shaped_Diamond

Speaking from experience here - I was very nearly sectioned when I had an eating disorder.

As far as I know, if is health is at risk and his BMI is dangerously low, then yes, I'm sure that he can be sectioned.
My BMI was under 14 at a point, and was told I was going to be sectioned if I didn't gain any more weight. My life was at risk - and if the medics think your uncle's life is at risk also, then he could be in the same position as I was.

Although he doesn't have an eating disorder that you've mentioned - I'm saying this because I was once shown by a professional a chart that stated if your weight went under a certain amount then they had to section you. If the doctor said they could section him, then I'm guessing he is very frail and needs urgent medical attention.

Heart_Shaped_Diamond

Just to add: I don't think it matters about his mental health. If he is at risk, they'll do what they have to do - even if that means force feeding to get him better.

property.advert

If he can consciously make the decision not to eat then that decision should be respected. Who are we to take him to court, section him, then force feed him ? It is inhuman.

Padstow

It would seem being mentally capable is the key issue. As here.

http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/8767290.Hunger_strike_killer_is_now_just_a__bag_of_bones_/