Assessment Philosophy
Independence when possible, support when needed
Capacity assessment requires respect for a person’s right to make their own decisions, including decisions that others may not agree with, while recognizing that some people require assistance or support when they cannot understand or appreciate the consequences of important decisions.
The assessment seeks to identify the least intrusive and least restrictive effective approach based on the person’s actual abilities and circumstances.
Specialized Experience
Older Adults & Dementia
Cognitive change, dementia, functional decline, changing care needs and questions about personal or financial decision-making.
Mental Health & Complex Capacity
Capacity questions complicated by psychiatric symptoms, impaired insight, behavioural change, substance use or fluctuating presentation.
Neurodivergent Youth & Adults
Autism, developmental disabilities, ADHD, communication differences and uneven functional abilities.
Transition to Adulthood
What support will your young person actually need at 18?
A diagnosis or disability does not automatically determine the level of decision-making assistance a young person will require as an adult. Transition-focused assessment looks at functional decision-making abilities, communication, strengths, support needs and the degree of assistance required in different areas of life.
Financial Vulnerability
A person may retain significant independence while becoming increasingly vulnerable to scams, undue influence or poor financial decisions.
A Financial Vulnerability & Decision-Making Review can explore the person’s understanding of a specific financial decision, appreciation of its consequences, financial situational awareness, and factors that may increase susceptibility to influence or exploitation.
Find the Right Service
Guardianship & Trusteeship
Form 4 capacity assessments for personal and financial decision-making, including reviews, regained capacity and co-decision-making.
Estate, Legal & Financial Capacity
Decision-specific assessments involving wills, EPOAs, Personal Directives, significant financial decisions and related capacity questions.
Decision-Maker Support
Professional nursing consultation for agents, attorneys, guardians and trustees navigating complex health, capacity, care and financial decisions.
Understanding Capacity Can Be Complicated
Questions about capacity often arise during times of change. A parent may be developing dementia. A young person with a disability may be approaching adulthood. A family may be concerned about financial vulnerability or exploitation. A lawyer may need an independent opinion about a client’s ability to make or change a will, Enduring Power of Attorney or Personal Directive.
Sometimes a formal capacity assessment is needed. Sometimes the better starting point is a focused consultation.
The goal is to identify the specific decision-making question, understand the person’s abilities and circumstances, and consider the least restrictive approach that is appropriate.