Mental capacity
Having mental capacity means you are able to make your own decisions.
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) protects people who lack the mental capacity to make decisions about their care and treatment.
To find out more, read our factsheet:
Mental capacity assessment
A health or social care worker might do a mental capacity assessment. If the person lacks capacity then someone may need to make a decision for them. This might be:
- a power of attorney, if they have one
- someone else, such as a carer or professional
Using the Mental Capacity Act
This video explains the Mental Capacity Act to people who need it, their carers and others.
- Using the Mental Capacity Act