Get an accurate evaluation of decision-making capacity.

A capacity assessment is the formal assessment of a person's mental capacity to make decisions about their personal and financial wellbeing. Assessing a person's knowledge and understanding of certain issues and his or her ability to understand and appreciate the consequences of the choices made around these issues is vital. It is also important to assess the ability of the patient to follow through with chosen options (initiation). Decision-making capacity is a multi-factorial concept with multiple integrated domains. 

If evidence exists that suggests a person's decision-making capacity has deteriorated and therefore that person’s safety is at risk, a capacity assessment may be necessary.

Completion of a semi-structured clinical interview to assist in the determination of patient's decision-making capacity is typically viewed as the gold standard when making a capacity determination. However, it is also common practice for Dr. Pachet and his clinic associates to use cognitive tests to assist in the assessment of a person's decision-making capacity. The length of time of the interview and testing varies case by case.
 

Questions that a Capacity Assessment can answer:

Does the client require an alternate decision-maker?

  • Is the client able to write a Personal Directive and/or an Enduring Power of Attorney?

  • Does the client need a guardian?

  • Does the client lack capacity globally or are there pockets of capacity remaining?

  • Does the client have testamentary capacity to change his or her will?

  • Does this individual have capacity to make this donation to charity?

  • Can the client live alone and look after his or herself?