Decision-Making Capacity Evaluations
When someone we care about is aging or experiencing illness or cognitive changes, families and professional advisors may wonder: Are they still able to make safe and informed decisions on their own? These situations are often complex and knowing where to get objective guidance can be unclear.
Decision-making capacity refers to a person’s ability to understand the present problem, consider the choices, weigh the options, and communicate a reasonable decision that reflects their values and best interests
Evaluating capacity is not about taking control away from an older adult. Instead, it is about identifying their strengths as well as their vulnerabilities, aimed at balancing safety and autonomy by ensuring the right level of support is in place.
Obtaining a professional evaluation of decision-making capacity is not always easy. Primary care physicians may not have proper training and more specialized providers like neuropsychologists may be difficult to access, have long waitlists, or require significant fees.
Aging Wisdom can conduct thoughtful, comprehensive assessments using established tools to evaluate various types of decision-making capacity such as medical, financial, or living arrangements. We have the added advantage of being trained in navigating resistance and being able to evaluate clients in their home environment.
These evaluations help professional advisors and families gain clarity, reduce conflict, and move forward with confidence, compassion, and the shared goal of honoring the dignity and well-being of the person they care about.
RESULTS: Understanding decision-making capacity brings clarity, stability, and resolution to complex matters impacting older adults.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
If you live in the greater Seattle area, you can schedule a get-acquainted call with one of our senior care managers.