Common Induction Standards for Membership

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Supporting people to make informed choices Most of the choices that people make in life naturally involve some element of risk, and the decisions made by people using health and social care are no different. Avoiding risks altogether would constrain their choices and opportunities. Risk is a concept that tends to have negative connotations but people take considered risks all of the time and gain many positive benefits. As new health and social care choices and opportunities arise, they are likely to involve the consideration of taking risks. , Why is it important to let people make their own decisions whenever possible? Did you know? People can become depressed, demotivated and more dependent if they are not allowed to make their own decisions and take risks. Consider the decision by Mr J to collect his own pension. Does he have capacity to make this decision at this time? Is there any evidence that he may lack capacity or that is he making an unwise decision with capacity? The law states that you cannot assume that a person cannot make their own decisions simply because of their condition (in this case a sight and hearing impairment). Mr J may, for example, know that a school crossing patrol officer will help him across as she always does. If his behaviour or history suggests that he may lack capacity to make this decision, then you must carry out a capacity assessment. This is a two stage process: Is there an impairment or disturbance in the functioning of the mind or brain? Does this prevent Mr J from making this decision? The MCA Code of Practice provides guidance about how to assess capacity. The legal principles of the MCA state that we must: assume people have capacity unless there is evidence to suggest otherwise do all we can to maximise someone’s capacity to make their own decisions not assume that someone who makes an unwise decision lacks
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