Adult Social Care - Mental Capacity Act
Contents
Carers
Do you make important decisions on someone else's behalf?
Are you a carer looking after a friend or family member?
Do you know someone who finds it difficult to make decisions and need help?
- If you make decisions for someone else, then the Mental Capacity Act applies to you.
- The Act says people have the right to make their own decisions.
- If they cannot, the Act provides protection to support their rights and those of the person looking after them.
- The Act defines mental capacity as the ability to understand and keep information for long enough to make a decision.
- If this is not possible, the Act explains how decisions should be made on someone else's behalf.
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What does this act mean to me?
- All decisions made on another's behalf should be in that person's best interest.
- The decision as far as possible should not change how they want to live. The person should be able to live as close to the way they want.
- A new Lasting Power of Attorney means that your rights as the person chosen to make decisions for another has been widened to include their welfare and finances.
- Anyone worried about their ability to make future decisions can make advance decisions about their medical treatment. Their views will be included in any plans.
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What happens now?
- The Act's power mostly becomes active when someone loses their mental capacity.
- Before this stage discuss the matter of capacity with the person and decide on the best option for you both.
For further information or advice, contact: mental-capacity@thurrock.gov.uk
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Important information to remember
- The Mental Capacity Act makes it clear when and how people should make decisions on another's behalf.
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Further information
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