Learn more about elder abuse – how to identify, prevent, and deal with it.
Mental Capacity
Mental capacity is:
- the ability to understand information related to making a decision, and
- the ability to appreciate the reasonably foreseeable consequences of making or not making the decision.
While an adult has capacity, they can make all personal decisions and financial decisions for themselves.
A person with reduced or no mental capacity is vulnerable to others taking advantage of them or abusing them. To prevent this, a capable adult can make plans for who will help them if they lose capacity. A court can also make an order naming someone to make decisions for the adult.
Learn more about mental capacity on OakNet – our website for older adults.
