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It is estimated that over two million people lack mental capacity to make decisions for themselves. This may be due to dementia, learning disabilities, mental health difficulties, brain injuries or other serious medical illnesses. When people are incapable of looking after their own affairs then the law allows other people to act on their behalf.
There may come a time when the person you are looking after is unable – or no longer wishes – to make their own decisions. Paying bills, signing a cheque and deciding on dental treatment are just some of the everyday decisions that those lacking mental capacity will require someone they trust to make on their behalf. Add in decisions about residential care or life saving treatment and the responsibility becomes very significant. And that responsibility will often fall to their carer.
In recent years the law has been changed to allow people who are unable to look after their own affairs to appoint another person to make decisions on their behalf at a future date. Under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 this is called ‘Power of Attorney’.
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Power of Attorney
If the person you care for is worried that in the future they may lose capacity to make decisions for themselves, a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) can give reassurance. -
Mental capacity survey
We want to write a guide about caring for someone who lacks mental capacity to make decisions for themselves. We want your opinions to help us write this guide. What are the issues for carers?