Recognize the difference between competency and capacity
While individuals with dementia may be judged legally incompetent, they generally retain some cognitive capacity to make decisions and exercise personal choice. Preserving their personal choice is critical to respecting them, to enhancing their personal worth, and to fostering social engagement.
Competency is a legal term. Because it is an all-or-none concept, competency is a limiting term. A person either can or cannot make his or her own decisions.
Capacity recognizes that different situations require different levels of comprehension for an individual to exercise autonomy and make personal choices. Remember that the lower the risk, the higher the opportunity for the individual with dementia to exercise choice.
Blessings for Seniors makes it possible for older adults to enjoy the comforts of their own home for as long as possible. We offer a customized care plan that includes services such as; Hourly Senior Home Care, 24-Hour Home Care, Dementia Care, Personal Care and Companion Care. Also ask us about our Veterans’ Home Care program.
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