UNDERSTANDING THE NEW MENTAL CAPACITY ACT

The  new Mental Capacity Act comes into force today, October 1st.  It provides a statutory framework to empower and protect vulnerable people when they are unable to make their own decisions.

The act covers Living Wills ­ now renamed Advance Decisions, Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) and advance care planning.  It is important that everyone should be aware of how the constituent parts of the new legislation can ensure that future wishes can be met, if capacity is lost for any reason.

Dignity in Dying has produced a comprehensive guide to the legislation, which tackles many of the frequently asked questions concerning issues which could affect every one of us at some point in our lives.