It should be assumed that a person has capacity unless a comprehensive assessment has been conducted by a professional which indicates otherwise. A clinician will deem an individual to have capacity if they are satisfied that the individual can:
- Understand information given to them about a particular decision
- Retain the information given for long enough to make a decision
- Weigh up the information sufficiently to make a decision
- Consistently communicate their decision
Our Expertise
Whilst there is no definitive, predetermined capacity assessment, there are practice guidelines and legal frameworks that inform the assessment and should be adhered to. These include:
- Adults with Incapacity: Guide to Assessing Capacity (2008)
- Guide to Best Interests Decision Making (2021)
- The Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000
- The British Psychological Society: Supporting People Who Lack Mental Capacity: A
A capacity assessment is necessary to determine if you/your loved one is able to make decisions independently, or if assistance and support is required to ensure that decisions are made in your best interest. The ultimate goal is to protect and empower those who may lack capacity.
- A person may lack capacity if they have:
- A brain injury
- A mental health condition
- A stroke
- Cognitive impairment
- Dementia
- Intellectual disability
However, having a diagnosis of any of these conditions does not necessarily mean that a person lacks capacity. Furthermore, capacity can fluctuate, and someone can lack capacity to make some decisions but still have the capacity to make others.
What areas of capacity can be assessed?
At The Edinburgh Practice, we can assess capacity in relation to the following areas:
- Capacity to Decide Living Arrangements: An individual’s capacity to decide where to live.
- Capacity to Manage Finances: An individual’s ability to make financial decisions.
- Changes to or appointing Powers of Attorney: Appointing a Power of Attorney or changing the individual(s) that you have appointed to manage your affairs and make financial decisions on your behalf.
- Gifting: An individual’s capacity to decide to gift assets or money to others.
- Guardianship: Providing legal authority for an individual to make personal decisions on behalf of another.
- Litigation Capacity: An individual’s ability to take legal action.
- Testamentary Capacity: An individual’s ability to make or alter a will.
The Assessment Process
Broadly, the different steps of a capacity assessment will be as follows:
- An initial consultation lasting approximately one hour. This would involve a clinical interview with the client. This will be conducted at the practice (home visits can also be considered). Further consultations with the client to assess capacity as appropriate.
- Collateral information is gathered via phone call or in person, from someone who knows the client well and who is not related to the decision at hand. Collateral information is also gathered by family members/other individuals who know the client well.
- A review of relevant medical records e.g. GP records.
- Reviewing relevant legal documentation and requested amendments.
- Discussion with relevant health care professionals.
- Cognitive screening where appropriate.
- A feedback session is offered to outline the outcome of the assessment.
- A written report is provided, outlining the capacity assessment process and the clinical opinion and outcome.
Initial Meeting
An initial appointment involving a clinical interview will be arranged with the client at a time that is convenient to them. This will last approximately one hour and will be conducted at the practice. Home visits can also be considered. Further appointments will be offered to gather additional information and to assess the client’s capacity.
Gathering Additional Information
Collateral information will be gathered via phone call or in person, from someone who knows the client well. Collateral information will also be gathered from family members/other individuals who know the client well.
A review of relevant medical records (such as GP records) will be conducted. Additionally, a discussion will be organised with the client to ascertain what changes are being requested and review relevant legal documentation and requested amendments. A cognitive screening will be carried out where applicable.
Relevant healthcare professionals (such as GPs) will also be contacted for discussion and relevant medical records will be reviewed.
Feedback
Once all relevant information is gathered, a feedback session will be offered to discuss the outcome of the assessment.
Report
A written report outlining the capacity assessment process and the clinical opinion/outcome will be provided to all clients.
Our Fees
As the complexity of capacity assessment can vary fees are based on individual cases. Please get in touch via our self-referral form to request a capacity assessment and we will provide you with an estimate of fees.
Welcome back to another #fridaycheckin! Here’s a look back at TEP’s 2024 - a year full of growth, challenges, and incredible moments! 🎥
As we approach the end of the year, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect 💭 After the Christmas festivities, take a moment to ask yourself: What went well this year? What did I enjoy? What do I want to work on for the year ahead?
Self-reflection is a powerful tool for growth, and there’s no better time than now to check in with yourself. Let’s carry those insights into a strong start for 2025 💪
#fridaycheckin #yearinreview #2024recap
🌟 Exciting news! We are thrilled to welcome Fiona Cook to The Edinburgh Practice team starting January 2025!
🤰 Fiona is a highly experienced Fertility and Relationship Counsellor with over 22 years of clinical practice. With a unique integrative approach rooted in psychodynamic and systemic theories, mindfulness, and compassion-focused therapy, Fiona supports individuals and couples navigating the complexities of fertility and relationships. She brings a wealth of expertise, including her work with the NHS, donor conception, and solo parenthood.
🙏 Her dedication to creating a compassionate, tailored space for clients is truly inspiring, and we can’t wait for her to bring her warmth and expertise to our practice.
💛 Join us in giving Fiona a warm welcome!
#FertilityCounsellor #RelationshipCounselling #TheEdinburghPractice #WelcomeToTheTeam
This Monday, ‘M’ is for Mental Clarity!
Mental clarity is essential for navigating life with focus, confidence and calm. It helps us make better decisions, manage stress and maintain emotional balance.
Mental clarity can feel like a challenge during menopause, with hormonal shifts often leading to brain fog, forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating. By prioritising self-care, managing stress, staying active and seeking support, including medical advice where appropriate, you can navigate this challenge with strength.
A clear mind is the foundation of a fulfilled and balanced life.
#theedinburghpractice #mentalhealth #mentalclarity
We’re back with another #fridaycheckin - and this week, it’s a Christmas Edition! 🎄✨
With just 12 days to go until Christmas, we wanted to share how we’ve sprinkled some festive cheer around The Edinburgh Practice. From twinkling lights to cozy decorations, our space is feeling extra warm and welcoming this season!
We hope our festive touches bring a smile to your face and a little extra joy to your day. Wishing you all a peaceful and cheerful lead-up to the holidays! ⭐
#TheEdinburghPractice #FestiveSeason #Christmas #MentalHealth
December is Seasonal Depression Awareness Month ❄️
As the season shifts, it’s not uncommon for the darker days to affect our mood and energy. If you’re feeling off or struggling this winter, remember it’s okay to take things slow and prioritise your mental health.
Seasonal depression or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects one in twenty people in the UK, with men being more likely to be diagnosed with SAD than women. The exact cause of SAD is not fully understood, but it’s often linked to reduced exposure to sunlight during the shorter autumn and winter days.
🧠The main theory is that a lack of sunlight might stop a part of the brain called the hypothalamus working properly, which may affect the:
😴The production of the sleepy hormone, Melatonin.
😊The production of the happy hormone, Serotonin
🕑Our body’s internal clock called our circadian rhythm.
Seasonal changes can be tough, but you don’t have to face them alone. Reach out, take care of yourself and know that it’s okay to not feel okay sometimes.
#seasonaldepression #MentalHealthAwareness #theedinburghpractice
Happy Monday! This Monday, ‘M’ is for Mental Flourishing ✨
Mental flourishing isn’t the absence of mental illness—it’s a state of thriving, feeling fulfilled, and growing despite life’s challenges. While mental illness may involve difficulties that affect daily functioning, it doesn’t mean that flourishing is out of reach. It’s possible to live with a mental health condition while still experiencing moments of growth and well-being. It’s about balance and working toward a better, more resilient mindset every day.
To find out more, check out Keyes and Westerhof’s (2009) academic paper called ‘Mental Illness and Mental Health: The Two Continua Model across the Lifespan”.
#MentalFlourishing #mentalhealth #theedinburghpractice
Welcome back to another #fridaycheckin! This Friday, Dr Alex checks in with our boundaries over the Christmas Period 🎄
🌟Setting and communicating boundaries with your friends and families over the festive period can help reduce stress and ensure you spend your time in a way that doesn’t negatively impact your wellbeing.
Dr Alex reminds us that:
1. It’s okay not to go home for the holidays.
2. It’s okay to need a break if you’re hosting.
3. It’s okay to need alone time if you’re visiting.
4. It’s okay to disengage from controversial conversations.
We encourage you to practice setting boundaries this Christmas period to give yourself the gift of feeling joyful, peaceful and empowered 🎁
#boundaries #fridaycheckin #theedinburghpractice #mentalhealth
This week is National Grief Awareness Week.
🔦 We are supporting @thegoodgrieftrust campaign, with this year’s theme being ‘Shine a Light’.
🫶 It’s important to normalise grief and make those around us aware that it’s often not something that will ever completely go away. It’s often about finding ways of coping with the grief. This week is about encouraging empathy, compassion, and support for those who are grieving, emphasising that grief if universal and often a challenging part of the human experience.
🎄 Grief can feel especially heavy during the festive season, a time often filled with memories of those we’ve lost. Let’s acknowledge the pain that can come with Christmas and offer compassion to ourselves and others. It’s okay to miss them, to feel it all, and to take the season at your own pace and do it in your own way. You may want to think of meaningful ways to remember the person, or people, you have lost this festive season.
To participate in National Grief Awareness Week, we can:
💛 Support a grieving friend
💛 Practice self-care if you are grieving
💛 Educate others - The Good Grief Trust’s website have a lot of short video clips offering support as well as sharing stories of those that have lost a loved one (https://www.thegoodgrieftrust.org). Another resource is The Good Grief Project, which offer a range of different workshops for bereaved parents and siblings (https://thegoodgriefproject.co.uk)
#ShineALight #GriefAwareness #YouAreNotAlone #TheEdinburghPractice
This Monday, ‘M’ is for Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs!
Abraham Maslow was an American Psychologist who suggested that our human needs can be organised into a clear hierarchy. His theory provides valuable insight into human motivation.
The key idea is that lower-level needs such as physiological needs and safety must be satisfied before higher-level needs can become motivators. For example, if someone is not able to buy food, they are unlikely to be able to be focused on doing well at work.
From bottom to top, the levels are:
😴Physiological needs
🔒Safety and Security needs
❤️Love and Belonging
🥰Self-esteem
⭐️Self-actualisation
It is important to remember:
1. The hierarchy isn’t rigid. People can be motivated by higher-level needs even when lower-level needs aren’t fully met.
2. The theory doesn’t account for individual differences. Some people may prioritise needs differently based on their own values and experiences.
3. The hierarchy reflects an individualistic view and may not capture motivation in collectivistic cultures.
Taking care of your mental health means addressing your needs at every level!
#mentalhealth #maslowshierachyofneeds #theedinburghpractice
This Friday we are checking in with our brain health! 🧠✨
Dr Julia is here to share insights from the 2024 update to the Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention, and care. The updated study reveals that nearly half of all dementia cases worldwide could be prevented or delayed by addressing 14 modifiable risk factors throughout the lifespan.
In Midlife these include:
👂 Hearing loss
🫀High LDL cholesterol
😔 Depression
🧠 Traumatic brain injury
🛋️ Physical inactivity
💊 Diabetes
🚬 Smoking
📈 Hypertension
🩺 Obesity
🍷 Excessive alcohol
In Late life these include:
👤 Social isolation
🚗💨 Air pollution
👁️ Visual loss
Taking steps to address these risks could make a significant difference in brain health and dementia prevention!
Explore the full article here:
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(24)01296-0/abstract
Or have a look at the infographic here:
https://www.thelancet.com/pb/assets/raw/Lancet/infographics/dementia-2017/image-1721911723223.pdf
#BrainHealth #DementiaPrevention #TheEdinburghPractice
Happy Wednesday! Today we are exploring the Autistic S.P.A.C.E Framework, this novel framework outlines how we can meet the needs of autistic people across different settings.
⭐️Each letter reminds us of how we can better support and celebrate neurodiversity:
👂Respect sensory needs
🗓️ Provide predictability
💛 Embrace acceptance
🗣️ Adapt communication
🤝 Lead with empathy
Together, we can create spaces where everyone feels valued, safe and understood.
Swipe through to learn more!
#neurodiversity #autismacceptance #mentalhealth #SPACEframework #TheEdinburghPractice
⭐️Christmas Closing Dates⭐️
As we draw closer to the Christmas holiday season, we thought it would be helpful to remind you of the last date for prescription requests and our opening hours!
💊The last date for prescription requests is Wednesday 11th December - please submit any prescription requests by this date to ensure you have the medication you require whilst we are closed!
⏰ We close on Monday 23rd December at 6pm and re-open on Friday 3rd January at 9am.
💻Visit our client portal on our website to submit a prescription request.
👋 Welcome back to our Monday ‘M’ series! This week, ‘M’ is for Memories. Our memories shape more than just our past - they are a powerful tool for wellbeing in the present. Reflecting on positive memories can:
✨ Boost gratitude
✨ Inspire hope
✨ Strengthen resilience
Revisiting happy moments doesn’t just remind us of what we’re lived through, it helps us reconnect with the people, places, and feelings that make life meaningful.
Take time to relive a memory that connects you with positive emotions, it could be:
🌸 A favourite holiday
🌸 A meaningful conversation with a friend
🌸 A moment of laughter with a loved one
🌸 A compliment someone gave you
🌸 A beautiful place you have visited
💛 What’s a memory that fills your heart? Share it in the comments or hold it close today!
#HappyMemories #MomentsThatMatter #MentalWellbeing #TheEdinburghPractice
Welcome back to another #fridaycheckin! This week we are introducing our YouTube channel (@TheEdinburghPractice1)!
🎥 Head on over to our YouTube channel to watch videos about our mental health practice including videos on how to make a self-referral, our different assessment processes, the neurodiversity support we offer and meet a handful of our lovely clinicians as they speak about important mental health topics!
Don’t forget to like and subscribe! Link in bio 💛
November is Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to bring much-needed attention to the unique struggles men face when it comes to mental health. Despite growing conversations about mental health, men can often struggle to seek support, sometimes this may be due to societal expectations or fear of stigma.
🙏 It’s important to remember that mental health challenges don’t discriminate based on gender, and being open about these challenges is a sign of strength, not weakness. This month, let’s break the silence and make it known that it’s okay to talk, ask for help, and support one another.
💛 If you’re struggling, know that you are not alone. Whether it’s speaking to a friend, family member, or a professional, reaching out is a brave and powerful step. And if you’re not sure how to support a loved one, sometimes just listening and being present makes all the difference. Let’s work together to create a world where men feel safe to share, heal, and grow.
