Assessment of Capacity for Everyday Decisions

We support choice through use of specialist assessment processes.

We believe in protecting the rights of individuals to make unwise decisions and safeguard the vulnerable.

Supporting choice

Making decisions and choices about how we live our life is a fundamental human right. However, a brain injury and some neurological conditions may affect our ability to make decisions for ourselves. In these situations, decisions and choices may be made for us in our best interest, but only if a set process has been followed as guided by the Mental Capacity Act. 

Making an ‘unwise decision’ is not the same as lacking capacity to make a decision. 

We use our skills and experience as Occupational Therapists to undertake and assist with the decision-making process and can assess individuals capacity to choose to undertake activities relating to everyday decisions. This could include decisions an individual makes about activities they wish to undertake, relationships they may have or how they spend their time.

We use our ‘Mental Capacity Assessment for Everyday Decisions’ process to help us assess capacity relating to a specific question. Our capacity assessments are usually undertaken for individuals who we know well. Assessments can be undertaken with unfamiliar individuals; however, the assessment will need to be done over a period of time to ensure we have captured all the information required to make a reasoned decision. 

I believe it is better to do one thing really well. If you focus on doing just that one thing, you will get particularly good at it. At Krysalis, we only work with people with a neurological diagnosis. We fully understand the challenges faced by individuals with complex disability

Jo Throp

Defined process

Assessment of capacity must be related to a specific question; this maybe in relation to the choices an individual wants to make about how they want to spend their time, the activities they choose to complete and the decisions they make.

Our assessment considers:

  • cognitive skills, especially the ability to understand important information
  • information retention, especially recalling information over time
  • using and weighing up relevant information as part of the decision-making process
  • the ability to communicate needs, wishes and feelings

Our assessment is focused only on everyday decisions relating to day-to-day activities and not for decisions relating to where an individual lives or their medical needs.

A shared decision

As with all questions relating to capacity, most assessments are best undertaken as part of a multi-disciplinary team. We are confident working alongside:

  • Clinical psychologists
  • Neuropsychologists
  • Local Health Authorities
  • Medical professionals
  • Solicitors and legal professionals

A unique journey

Penny’s husband George sustained a brain injury after a fall in his bathroom.

She talks openly about George before the accident, the impact of his injuries and the challenges they have faced together.

Meet Penny

What others say about us

  • I am always so impressed by the therapist’s commitment to and ongoing understanding of Claire and her situation. I am sure the rest of the family will share my thoughts so please pass on our heartfelt thanks to the therapy team when you next see them. Sister of brain injury survivor
  • I just wanted to drop you a line to say, whenever I call the office, Claire, in particular, is always very charming and efficient. She is a good representative of your company and has a nice phone manner and a good approach to customer service. So, thank you Claire. Mother of brain injury survivor
  • The following will never be enough to illustrate Paul’s journey but we are eternally grateful to the NHS, IM, ILS, Krysalis and the whole infrastructure that has been created for Paul. Yes, Paul is focused, determined and driven but the whole team have created a rehabilitation environment that has changed our life and Pauls future, they have made the thought of life and rehabilitation, turn from the impossible to the possible. Brother of brain injured survivor
  • The thought of having the family undertake this journey alone seems impossible and we will be always grateful. We all recognise that James is still on the rehabilitation journey, but there is no stopping him. He has just walked to Mum’s & Dad’s on his own (phone first to say he’s on his way)... what a way to celebrate the 2-year journey.Brother of brain injured survivor
  • I highly recommend Krysalis Consultancy OT services. Anna has been our life line since she came on board to help my husband following his brain injury. He has improved greatly thanks to Anna’s input in assisting him to become independent, teaching him step by step the simple things which we all take for granted. Anna is there for us 100%, teaching us both strategies to enable us to achieve better results.Wife of brain injured survivor
  • Just a short note to thank you very much for your hard work and persistence over the last few months, your guidance has undoubtedly helped and taken the pressure off me (I have benefited from the sessions greatly). I am really encouraged by the last few weeks and optimistic that if Peter keeps working at it he will continue to make good progress.Brother of brain injured survivor

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