Assessing Capacity

Question 1

What does incapable mean?

Answer 1

• Incapable of:
  
  • Acting
  • Making decisions
  • Communicating decisions
  • Understanding decisions
  • Retaining the memory of decisions

Question 2

Causes of incapacity

Answer 2

• Mental disorders
• Inability to communicate because of a physical disability

Question 3

What to be considered when assessing capacity

Answer 3

• Capable of making and communicasting their choice
• Understands the nature of what is being asked and why
• Has memory abilities that allow the retention of information
• Is aware of any alternatives
• Has knowledge of the risks and benefits involved
• Is aware that such information is of personal relevance to them
• Is aware of their right to, and how to refuse, as well as the consequences of refusal
• Has ever expressed their wishes relevant tot he issue when greater capacity existed
• Is expresing views consistent with their previously preferred moral, cultural, family and experiential background

Question 4

Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000

Answer 4

• Principle 1 - Benefit.
• Principle 2 - Least-restrictive option.
• Principle 3 - Take account of the wishes of the person.
• Principle 4 - Consultation with relevant others.
• Principle 5 - Encourage the person to use existing skills and develop new skills.