I'm an informal patient at a care home for people with the autistic spectrum disorder, and have been for about five months now, I was informed I was only going to be here for 12 weeks for assessments, but despite this, I'm still here, unable to go out alone despite being perfectly capable of taking care of myself, as I did in my previous place of residence, during my stay here It's been a living hell, the other 'residents' are basically nuts, they're always shouting at everyone or getting violently aggressive, thus making me constantly anxious, I've had a Zippo lighter that had sentimental value "Confiscated" months ago and they refuse to let me have it back, or even see it (I'm guessing they stole it) and so they're making me use awful little disposable lighters, they search my mail and force my to open it in front of them (That is if they don't magically 'lose it'), the employees constantly just unlock my room and enter at all times of the day and night, I can't sleep because there's always some staff member slamming doors or something, are any of my human rights being violated, and if so, can I take any legal action?
Also, I'm on benefits (medium rate disability living allowance) so I used to get legal advice and assistance for free, but apparently this has changed, can anyone give me some information regarding this please?
Thanks!

I'm an informal patient at a care home.... can anyone give me some infomation regarding this please?Hello a:

If you're an adult and you haven't been committed by the courts, then you're free to leave.. If you need HELP leaving, then you need an attorney.

excon

PS> (edited) Sorry. I just noticed that you're in the UK. My advice isn't good there.

First there are not really "human rights" there are legal rights your country allows or gives you.

If you signed yourself into a facility, they have rules, lighters and other items may be against the rules, those are issues you needed to have addressed before going in.

If you are not confined by law, court order or by other legal means, you should be free to leave, but will perhaps not be allowed to return

What is an informal patient? How are you informally at an inpatient facility?