How is a Mental Capacity Assessment done?

What happens prior to a mental capacity assessment?

• You may be asked to provide details such as medical conditions, medication, mental health conditions, current care requirements etc.
• Information about the person may be requested such their preferences of where they want to be seen, methods of communication, times of day when they are at their best etc. Sometimes people are more anxious knowing an assessment will take place and affect their responses. This can be discussed when booking an appointment.
• A data confidentiality form will be completed, this is to ensure that you understand what data is taken, how it is used and how it is deleted or saved.

What happens in a mental capacity assessment?

• Audio recording or notes are taken, questions are asked in a way that allows the person to understand at an appropriate level.
• A memory test may be conducted
• A semi structured interview is used that allows a fair and timely assessment and in accordance with the Mental Capacity Act (2005) or Testamentary Capacity Case Law (Banks v Goodfellow 1870)
• An adaptable approach for people at different levels of cognition, communication and functional ability is employed to support understanding.
• Relatives or friends or representatives may be present at first to help the person understand information or reduce anxiety.
• On rare occasions, the assessment may be adjourned and continued at a later date.

What happens after the mental capacity assessment?

• The outcome of whether the person has or has not capacity for the decision in question is conveyed verbally and discussed with the person and with their representatives if permission is given.
• A full  court standard report is provided within 48 hours via.
• On rare occasions there may be a need to revisit in the case of an adjournment or request further information or to advise the involvement of the person’s GP instead.

    Please contact me to discuss any of this information or book an assessment.

Decision Specific Assessments

Sometimes Mental Capacity Assessments are needed to assess other decisions that are specific to you, and not listed on this site.

These could be decisions about future care needs or having major surgery, or being able to make complex decisions with an established dementia or cognitive impairment.

Contact me to discuss your needs and how I can help.