LEGISLATIONS(
DEMENTIA
Pratima Ale
Dementia
Syndromes of dementia:
- memory loss
- thinking speed
- mental agility
- language
- understanding
- judgement
Legislation and Regulations for dementia:
Deprivation of Liberty:
Mental Capacity Act 2005
The Mental Capacity Act 2005 clarifies the legal position of those providing help or services to people who may lack the capacity to take certain actions or decisions for themselves( dementia). It defines key principles which must be applied: Presumption of capacity; supporting individuals to make their own decisions; freedom to make unwise decisions; always acting in the person's best interests; and using the least restrictive option. The Act provides a test to assess someone's capacity to make a particular decision.
It also provides mechanisms, such as Lasting Power of Attorney and advance decisions to refuse treatment, which enable individuals to retain some control and have their wishes implemented in the event of future loss of mental capacity.
An understanding and implementation of the Act is essential for people working with those living with dementia. The Act and code of practice apply to all staff working with people who may lack capacity.
References:
http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/site/scripts/documents_info.php?documentID=1327
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/Pages/mental-capacity.aspx
http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/legal-rights/mental-capacity-act-2005/#.VX7XxVWUzGc