Managing someone's affairs

PLEASE NOTE: The information in this section does not apply to everyone across the UK. It is only for 

• people who look after someone aged over 16
• people who look after someone who lives in England and Wales.

This section is for people who look after someone who may not be able to make some decisions for themselves - often referred to as mental capacity. This may be because of dementia, learning disabilities, brain injury or reasons connected with mental illness.

In this section you will find an outline of some of the law contained in the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

The key points are:

• People should be supported to make their own decisions wherever possible.
• If the person cannot make a decision, that decision must be made in the person’s best interests.
• As a carer you have the right to be consulted about any best interest decision made by professionals, such as social workers and health staff.