A new report from the Mental Welfare Commission (MWC) finds people with alcohol related brain damage are living in care homes where they are much younger than other residents; compelled to live in a setting they would never choose.

These living arrangements, the watchdog suggests, could be in breach of their human rights and lead to further dependency and isolation.

In their report published today, the MWC spoke to 50 of the 553 people in Scotland who had both an alcohol related brain damage (ARBD) diagnosis – where the structure and function of the brain has been affected by long-term alcohol use - and a guardianship in place.

Following the Commission’s concerns at the availability of specialist support to those with ARBD - leading them to publish guidance for clinicians back in 2019 - today’s report looks at care arrangements, at how the law is being used and at whether good practice is being followed.

Julie Paterson, Chief Executive of the Mental Welfare Commission said care for some people risks being inappropriate:

“There were many positive examples of good care, which we highlight in this report, but also areas of concern.

“We found many of the people we met were living in care homes where they were much younger than the other residents. Those commissioning services must consider whether they are breaching the person’s human rights if the person finds themselves compelled to live in a setting which they would never choose.”

Though they make-up only a small group in Scotland, “discriminatory perceptions of a ‘self-inflicted illness’ can lead to people with a diagnosis of ARBD being extremely vulnerable, marginalised and socially isolated”, according to Ms Paterson.

If someone with ARBD is unable to safeguard their own welfare as a result of the condition, a court can appoint a relative or carer or local authority welfare guardian to do that for them – this report focuses on the experiences of this particularly vulnerable group.

Despite the advent of self-directed support and good practice guidance, the Commission said only limited development of specialist, innovative approaches and services in Scotland has taken place.

Ms Paterson says she hopes the findings will lead to a reassessment of how people with ARBD are supported:

“We make recommendations about areas of care and treatment we believe could and should work better, and we will follow those up.

“I hope our report will be widely shared and discussed, and others will join us in seeking improvements for this vulnerable group.”

Read more: New MWC guidance for alcohol-related brain damage; Heaviest drinkers cut back on essentials after MUP; FM signals national pay bargaining in NCS

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