Mental Capacity refers to the ability to make decisions for yourself about your own life. All Adults are presumed to have capacity but some people have difficulties in making, or are unable to make, such decisions. This is called 'lacking capacity'. Under the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) there are now laws governing who can make decisions on someone else's behalf, which help to safeguard vulnerable people. For more information about the Mental Capacity Act visit Direct Gov here.
Deputyship
The Isle of Wight Council operates a Deputyship service. A deputy for the Isle of Wight Council is someone appointed by the Court of Protection to make decisions on behalf of an individual, regarding finances and property, who lacks the mental capacity to do so themselves. This service can only be accessed by referral from a Social Care Practitioner. For more information click here