Under Alberta law, adults are presumed able to make their own decisions. A capacity assessment is needed when there is a real reason to question that, and a decision-making arrangement may have to be put in place. It looks at specific areas of a person’s life, not their worth or intelligence.
Choose what fits your situation
Guardianship and trusteeship
Personal and financial decisions, including assessments for court applications.
Personal decision-making
Health care, housing, daily life and co-decision-making.
Power of attorney and directives
When an enduring power of attorney or personal directive is involved.
Seniors and dementia
Memory loss, financial abuse, safety at home.
Adults with disabilities
Developmental disabilities, brain injury, and turning 18.
Lawyers and court matters
Independent assessments for legal processes.
In-home assessments
Homes, seniors’ residences, hospitals and care facilities.
Re-assessments
When circumstances change, or an order is reviewed.
What every assessment includes
- A first conversation about whether an assessment is the right step
- A private meeting with the adult, in the setting and language that suits them
- Review of the information needed to answer the question
- A completed Capacity Assessment Report (Form 4), where one is required
- A plain explanation of the result and the usual next steps