Capacity Assessment
A Capacity Assessor evaluates an individual’s mental capacity to understand and manage their affairs. This assessment is vital in the processes of guardianship, trusteeship, and co-decision making.
Designated Capacity Assessors play a crucial role in assisting individuals and families during times when decisions regarding personal care, property, and finances need to be made on behalf of someone who may no longer have the ability to make such decisions independently.
Sheri’s expertise ensures that all assessments are conducted with care and compassion to protect the rights and well-being of the individual involved.
These assessments are billed at the regular hourly rate of $240/hr and require a minimum of three hours. However, if the assessment is complex, additional hours may be required
Step 1: Understanding Guardianship, Trusteeship, and Co-Decision-Making in Alberta
Guardianship: Appointed by the court, a guardian is responsible for making personal and health care decisions for someone who cannot make those decisions themselves.
Trusteeship: A trustee is appointed to handle financial and property matters for someone who is unable to do so.
Co-Decision Making: In cases where a person can still make decisions but needs assistance, co-decision making allows for shared responsibility between the individual and their appointed co-decision maker.
Section 2: What Is A Capacity Assessment?
A guardianship capacity assessment is often needed when young individuals with disabilities or developmental challenges transition into adulthood. At age 18, they are legally considered adults and expected to manage personal, financial, and health-related decisions independently. However, for some, cognitive or developmental impairments may limit their ability to fully handle these responsibilities. In such cases, families may seek an assessment to explore options like guardianship, joint decision making, or co-decision making. Joint decision making provides a legal framework where both the individual and a guardian share responsibility for making certain decisions, offering a balance of support and independence. Co-decision making allows the individual to retain more autonomy, working alongside a trusted partner to make decisions together. These processes ensure that as young adults transition into adulthood, they receive the necessary support to make informed decisions while safeguarding their well-being and legal rights.
Section 3: When Should We Have A Capacity Assessment?
For Youth: Families can begin the guardianship or co-decision making process when their child turns 17 to ensure a smooth transition into adulthood. The first step is to consult with their family doctor to rule out any underlying medical concerns that may affect capacity. Once this is complete, the next step is to visit our clinic for a formal capacity assessment. This evaluation helps determine the level of support the individual may need, whether through guardianship, joint decision making, or co-decision making, to ensure their well-being as they enter adulthood.
For Seniors or Individuals with TBIs: The first step is to consult your family doctor to rule out any confounding variables regarding capacity. After this, the individual can be seen by our Capacity Assessor. They will be asked if they feel comfortable with their support person staying in the room while the interview occurs.
Section 4: What Is Included In A Capacity Assessment
Our Psychologist will ask you to fill out a brief historical form so that we can learn about your primary concerns for your loved ones.
The Psychologist will conduct an assessment to determine your loved ones current functioning capacity. This consists of questions posed verbally to evaluate their responses.
Additionally, the Psychologist will likely ask to meet with the family, or individual putting forth the application.
The Psychologist will provide their recommendation in report format and, when appropriate, fill out the necessary forms for a guardianship, trusteeship, or co-decision making process. The individual who has paid for the service will receive a copy of the report and can share it with whom they deem appropriate.
