The Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice is an excellent and user friendly resource for people navigating their way through decision making, whether they are a person with dementia or someone who is caring for them: Mental Capacity Act Code of Practice – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
The guidance advises professionals to first of all involve the adult with a disability in all decision making as far as possible, to ensure the environment where decisions are made is suitable, to include all interested parties in the decision making process, and to come to a decision that is in the Best Interests of an adult who lacks capacity.
An interested party could be a neighbour, friend, relative, or professional. If there is a registered Lasting Power of Attorney in place for Health and Welfare the attorney/s have an automatic right to be involved in discussions about the person with dementia, and usually would make the final decision.
If you feel that a person with dementia is having their wishes disregarded and/or significant people in their life are not being adequately consulted then contact our helpline for some support:
0203 405 5940
admin@pathwaysthroughdementia.org
