Many care workers are still confused by the Mental Capacity Act. Some are even frightened of it. They believe that using the Act (and in particular assessing capacity) is complicated, requiring highly trained professionals. However this is not necessarily the case.

It’s true that the MCA covers a lot of ground but far from being complex it’s designed to make capacity and best interests decisions easier and to support workers in their dealings with mentally vulnerable people.

By constantly relating the MCA to practice and by relying upon straightforward illustrations, case studies, quizzes and discussion this course builds upon existing and familiar knowledge to create a ‘picture’ of capacity, self-determination, duty of care and above all ‘balance’ in the minds of the participants.

By the end of the course participants will not be experts in all the underlying legal concepts but they will have a real awareness of their responsibilities and the confidence to put that awareness into practice.

Stuart’s Mental capacity act video playlist:

The course covers:

Background to the MCA & the Bournewood story

The five principles of the Mental Capacity Act

The right to self-determination versus the right to be protected from one’s own infirmity

Who is ‘decision-maker’ & the role of the multi-disciplinary team

Assessing mental capacity

Understanding best interests

Least restrictive Interventions and what’s ‘reasonable’

Advance Decisions & Lasting Powers of Attorney

Independent Mental Capacity Advocates

Dealing with disagreements

Part 5 – ‘Protection from liability’

Implications for practice and the duty of care

Fill in the form below to arrange training for your staff