Mental capacity is the term given to a person’s ability to understand information, make decisions, and communicate that decision to others around them in some way.

What can affect someone’s capacity?

Unfortunately, a person can lose the capacity to make decisions because of a range of health issues. This might include illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, according to Age UK. Additionally, it may occur because of a stroke or head injury, or a learning difficulty.

Support for others

The Mental Capacity Act is designed to protect people who may lack the capacity to make decisions on important things such as healthcare and finances.

Additionally, a UK power of attorney is a document which allows people to nominate a trusted relative or friend to make those decisions for them in the event that they do lose capacity. This can easily be arranged online at specialist websites such as https://powerofattorneyonline.co.uk/. It’s worth noting that this only comes into effect once the person has been deemed to have lost capacity.

How is it assessed?

A two-stage test is used to determine whether someone still has capacity or not. The test involves analysing whether the person has a condition or impairment which is likely to cause difficulties like this. Furthermore, does this impairment mean that they are unable to make a decision?

This can generally be assessed by any healthcare professional involved in a person’s care, even if they are not a specialist. Therefore, it’s not necessary to wait for a GP or psychologist.