Mental capacity: supporting decision making after brain injury

You can download this booklet for free in our information library. 

This booklet is for anyone concerned about another person's capacity to make decisions. It explains the principles of the Mental Capacity Act, which can help you to assess the person's decision-making ability.

Information is also provided on applying to the Court of Protection, which may be necessary in order to make decisions on their behalf. This should always be done in the person's best interests, in order to protect their financial and personal welfare, while also preserving their freedom and individuality.

Contents include

• Decision making after brain injury
  Hospital treatment decisions
  Withdrawal of treatment
  Recovery and long-term difficulties
• Assessing capacity to make decisions
  Helping others to make their own decisions
  Introduction to the Mental Capacity Act
  Legal framework across the United Kingdom
  Capacity for specific decisions
• Preparing to make decisions on someone else's behalf
  Consider whether arrangements have already been made
  Decisions that do not need authority
  Introduction to the Court of Protection
• The duties and responsibilities of decision makers
  What is a deputy?
  The role of a deputy
  The duty to act in another's best interests
  Appointees
• Applying to the Court of Protection
  Making the application
  Urgent applications
  Fast-track applications
  Waiting for an application to be processed
  Appealing against Court of Protection rulings
  Changing circumstances
• Protecting people's welfare
  Challenging the decision of a deputy or attorney
  Reporting concerns about a person's welfare
  Treatment under the Mental Health Act
  Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS)
  Advocacy services

Please note: This booklet covers legislation for Engl