Who Can Decide?: The Six Step Capacity Assessment Process

"People are presumed to have capacity to make decisions for themselves. This presumption of capacity protects a basic right. Capacity can be lost, temporaril or permanently, through illness or accident. If capacity is lost, others need to recognise this and take appropriate steps. But where capacity is present society should not interfere in people's private affairs. What is capacity and how is it measured? When might capacity assessments be needed? How are autonomy and right protected? - Who can decide? This practical and comprehensive guide answers these questions. It defines capacity and provides a clear six step process to assess capacity. The book offers a wealth of practical advice for those who need to understand and assess capacity, including health care professionals, legal practitioners, administrators, informal care-givers and family members. It covers : personal care, health care, property and finance, advance directives, wills and powers of attorney." -- book cover.