Mental Capacity Assessment

Communication is key: elderly couple sitting in the garden enjoying the sunshine

Communication to support capacity

21 February 202221 February 2022
Mental Capacity in Practice

Communication is an absolutely vital part of the Mental Capacity Act (2005). If we are to support capacity effectively then we should do everything in our power to ensure good, effective communication that is adapted to the needs of the service user. This may mean taking extra measures to aid the process of communication, to consider environmental and/or external factors, and also to make allowances for any fluctuations in an individual’s ability to understand.

Advanced Decisions and Lasting Power of Attorney

30 December 202113 December 2021
Mental Capacity in Practice

The Mental Capacity Act (2005) provides two options to help us plan for the future and provide clear documented decisions in the case of deteriorating health.… Read More »Advanced Decisions and Lasting Power of Attorney

Common errors found in Mental Capacity Assessments

16 December 202111 December 2021
Case Study, Mental Capacity in Practice

I’ve been involved with the field of Mental Capacity for many years now, both as an assessor and an advocate. In this time, I’ve encountered a whole range of common errors and mistakes that come up time and time again.

These errors can have a major impact on a person’s quality of life, and ability to make decisions for themselves. Not only that, but they also leave open the risk that if the Mental Capacity decision is ever to be challenged, then it will quickly be dismissed and overruled by governing bodies such as the Court of Protection.

However, thankfully, most of these errors are easily avoidable and simple to resolve with adequate reflection, preparation and the correct training.

Man with learning disability getting married

Example Mental Capacity Assessments

9 December 20215 January 2022
Case Study, Mental Capacity in Practice

When I have sought to learn more about the Mental Capacity Act (2005), I have found a unexpected lack of information on precisely how to complete an assessment. Having attended many courses on Mental Capacity in my time, it still surprises me just how many courses fail to even set out what to ask, how much to record, what information is relevant and what to do next.

Lady in wheelchair facing away from camera, looking down a paved street

How to explain assessments to people who are being assessed

1 November 202114 January 2022
Mental Capacity in Practice

We all have a large amount of underlying assumptions or associations in all elements of our lives, which we are encouraged as working professionals to stop and reflect on in order to reduce the impact of these on our daily practices. Without this professional conduct we risk being biased, unprofessional, incur misunderstandings or cause offence. Whether it is surrounding age, gender, health conditions, political outlook, faith, religion, education or appearance.