Old Age Psychiatry

Question 1

What is capacity?

Answer 1

Capacity is the ability to understand information relevant to a decision or action, and to appreciate the reasonably foreseeable consequences of not taking action or decision

Question 2

What 5 points should you consider relating to capacity?

Answer 2

1) Does the patient UNDERSTAND the information?
2) Does the patient RETAIN the information long enough to make a decision?
3) Can the patient COMMUNICATE the decision?
4) Can the patient WEIGH UP the information in order to make a decision?
5) Does the patient BELIEVE the information they are given?

Question 3

What are 8 important points relating to capacity?

Answer 3

1) A patient is deemed to have capacity unless proven otherwise
2) A patient should be supported to make a decision
3) A person can not be deemed to incapable if their decision is eccentric or unwise
4) Anything done for the patient must be in their best interest
5) Always use the least restrictive option
6) Capacity should be assessed on the topic of question
7) Patient’s should be assessed at their ‘peak time’
8) Speak to family to get historic views? Advanced statement

Question 4

What are the 6 Cs of capacity?

Answer 4

Capacity
Consent
Compliance
Coercion
Certification
Common sense

Question 5

How is guardianship granted?

Answer 5

They lack capacity to grant POA

Two medical certificates

• GP
• Psychiatrist

Detailed report from MHO (social worker)

• Will take into account family and those nominated in the application
• Is it needed?
• Is it agreed?
• Who will be the guardian?