There are occasions where an individual may be unwilling or unable to engage with a mental capacity assessment, from which there are many possible reasons why this may occur. For example, there may be an issue with the specific context of the situation, the individual’s health conditions, the professional’s approach to the test, or even the adaptations that have been made to support.
Read More »Clients who are unwilling or unable to engage
When we refer to the ‘threshold of capacity’, we refer to the point at which a professional assessor can claim with confidence that an individual has or has not demonstrated capacity to make a specific decision at a specific point in time. This is determined by what is known as the balance of probabilities.
Read More »What is the threshold of capacity?
Mental Capacity Assessments are typically provided by experienced healthcare professionals working independently, or as part of a larger organisation. Unless there is a statutory requirement for the assessment, relating to a specific care or treatment decision, then it is unlikely that an assessment will fall under NHS provision and be free of charge.
Read More »What work is involved in a typical Mental Capacity Assessment?
In previous blogs we have considered what questions to ask as part of Mental Capacity Assessments. We have also worked through a case study in a two-part blog. In today’s blog, we aim to build upon this knowledge, taking a brief look at the types of questions that can be asked, taking special consideration of just how we frame a question and grade it to the client’s needs.
Read More »Types of questions to ask in an assessment
Anyone can conduct a Mental Capacity Assessment. However, context is important, and a professional may be required for complex decisions. This will help ensure assessments are carried out in the correct manner, and that they are valid (i.e. reliable and trustworthy) in order to protect both the assessor, and the person being assessed.
Read More »Who can carry out a Mental Capacity Assessment?
Since launching Mental Capacity Ltd at the start of 2022, we have published a new blog every week to raise awareness around the Mental Capacity Act and help professionals build confidence and develop skills in applying the Act in practice. In this blog, we bring together some of our most popular blogs on how to carry out Mental Capacity Assessments (sometimes referred to as Mental Capacity Tests) to help you quickly and easily find the resources you need.
Read More »How to carry out Mental Capacity Assessments
There are several terms that are used to describe the process of determining a person’s mental capacity. Is it a Mental Capacity Test, or a Mental Capacity Assessment? In this blog, we explore some of the language around the Mental Capacity Act (2005) and how it applies in practice.
Read More »Mental Capacity Test or Assessment – what is the difference?
The Mental Capacity Act is designed to empower a person’s voice, protect their rights and provide safeguarding measures, alongside direction of practice, if a person is determined to lack capacity for a particular decision at a certain time. In this blog, we explore the role of the Mental Capacity Act around future decisions relating to healthcare, finance and assigning an LPA.
Read More »Mental Capacity and future decisions
In our mission to Promote, Partner and Protect, we place a great emphasis on helping teams develop their skills around the Mental Capacity Act, Mental Capacity Assessments, and related areas such as Best Interest Decisions and LPA. In today’s blog we want to shed a little light on what this can look like in everyday practice…
Read More »Supporting your team with MCA consultancy
In our last blog, we considered the complex case of ‘P’ – an individual being assessed for mental capacity with respect to their change in accommodation, as well as their wish to take responsibility for managing their inheritance.
The case study highlighted several major issues in the way the original mental capacity assessment had been completed, including concerns around the lack of support to help P communicate autonomously, and the lack of documentation around P’s condition and capacity.
Read More »Preparing questions for a complex Mental Capacity Assessment