Capacity Assessments for Youths
Becoming an adult is a big milestone. It's an exciting time as you gain more freedom and responsibility. However, some individuals need extra support and guidance during this transition. A capacity assessment is a way to evaluate someone's ability to live independently and make sound decisions as an adult. It's done in a caring, supportive manner to determine areas where the individual may need assistance or supervision.
What is a Capacity Assessment?
During a capacity assessment, a medical or psychological professional evaluates the individual’s ability to understand relevant information and appreciate the consequences of their decisions. The outcome of a capacity assessment is critical for individuals receiving AISH or PDD benefits. If found incapable, a guardian can be appointed to manage the individual's financial, legal, and personal care matters. However, if found capable, the individual is presumed to have the right to control their own affairs and benefits. Capacity assessments aim to strike a balance between protecting vulnerable individuals and upholding their basic human rights. They are an important mechanism to ensure the wellbeing of those unable to fully care for themselves due to a physical, mental, or cognitive condition.
What does an Assessment Measure?
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Communication Skills
This involves evaluating how well the individual can understand information provided to them and express their wishes and choices. The assessor will look at the person's ability to communicate verbally, non-verbally, and in writing.
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Cognitive Skills
Assessments in this area look at memory, attention span, reasoning, judgement and overall thought process. Questions are asked to gauge orientation, awareness of self/others, ability to follow instructions, etc.
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Daily Living Skills
Evaluating things like personal care, household tasks, job skills, money management. This shows how independently the person can function on a day-to-day basis.
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Understanding Consequences
The ability to understand the results and outcomes of one's decisions and actions. Capacity assessments examine how well individuals can identify and consider the potential impact of the choices they make.
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Safety Awareness
Assessing the person's ability to protect their own well-being. This includes awareness of harmful situations, exploiting individuals, or environmental dangers.
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Decision Making
The ability to think through options, consider risks and benefits, and make prudent choices. Capacity assessments determine how well individuals can logically reason through and evaluate alternatives to make sound decisions.
Why Complete a Capacity Assessment?
When there are concerns about an adult's ability to make sound decisions, a capacity assessment can be requested to evaluate specific areas like health care, finances, or guardianship. The assessment aims to determine the level of support or supervision the individual may require. It considers factors such as the person's ability to understand and appreciate the nature and effect of their decisions. The assessment may include interviews, observations, and evaluations by health care professionals to determine the appropriate level of guardianship or support required for the individual.