Dr. Lightfoot’s Capacity Assessments in Oakville
Certain mental health problems can affect an individual’s memory and decision-making ability. At Dr. Lynn Lightfoot & Associates in Oakville, I provide capacity assessments. These help in determining an individual’s ability of self-care. Please read further to understand how I can help you.
Who Is a Designated Capacity Assessor?
To be a Designated Capacity Assessor, an applicant must complete a training program offered by the Ministry of the Attorney General. In addition to being a member in good standing with their professional psychological college, the applicant must also hold $1,000,000 in professional liability insurance. To retain the designation of a Capacity Assessor, a minimum of 5 assessments must be made during the course of 2 years, as well as participation and completion of continuing educational activities.
When Are a Capacity Assessor’s Services Required?
In instances where an individual is incapable of making personal or financial decisions, and does not have a power of attorney, a separate person can be given the legal authority to make these decisions on their behalf. This process is known as “guardianship.”
Before guardianship is assigned, it is up to the Designated Capacity Assessor to determine whether the individual is mentally capable of providing self-care. By law, a Designated Capacity Assessor is the only legal authority that can make these decisions, according to the Substitute Decisions Act. One example is that if a property owner is found to be mentally incapable of handling their finances, a capacity assessor can designate a guardian to look over their personal finances. This can be done without court action.
In instances where a person has made a power of attorney, the opinion of the capacity assessor may be required to fulfill the power of attorney’s proof and necessity requirements. If the power of attorney doesn’t state how incapacity is to be proven, then it is the assessor’s opinion that is required.
Dr. Lightfoot offers capacity assessments for a variety of decision-making types, including:
- Testamentary Capacity
- Capacity to Grant/Revoke a Power of Attorney (Property or Personal Care)
- Capacity to Manage Property
- Capacity to Manage Personal Care
- Capacity to Marry
Capacity Assessment Services are provided in the Toronto-Oakville, Hamilton-Niagara region as well as in the Midland-Penetanguishene regions of Ontario.
If you’re in need of a capacity assessment, please do not hesitate to contact my office.
