Capacity assessments follow a legal framework, the Mental Capacity Act, that assesses an individual’s ability to understand, retain, weigh up and communicate relevant information to the decision.

Capacity assessments aim to evaluate an individual’s ability to make informed choices with regards to decisions such as their health and welfare, finances, healthcare and relationships. Dr Jess Colenutt is a skilled Clinical Neuropsychologist who uses cognitive rehabilitation and communication strategies to support decision-making, offering the optimal opportunity to demonstrate decision-making capacity when assessed. The assessment process is considered a therapeutic space to empower individuals to develop insight and adapt their decision-making if they are able to do so.

Dr Jess Colenutt also aims to communicate the individual’s voice and advocate their wishes as part of her assessment, as this can inform next steps such as best interest decisions. She can provide recommendations and leadership to solicitor’s, deputyship teams and healthcare professionals around implementing best interest decisions where appropriate to do so.

“My brother as you know is non verbal and doesn’t comfortably communicate with people he doesn’t know/trust, however you were able to make him feel at ease. This meant you got the best from him meaning you were able to really understand him and complete the assessment, you took the time to get know him and we will for ever be grateful for this.”