The Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 provides the opportunity for adults who are not able to make decisions about their care, or their financial affairs, to have other arrangements made to help and protect them. It also allows adults, who still have capacity, to draw up a Power of Attorney document to have someone arrange their affairs if they lose capacity.

The arrangements recognise that there have been positive changes in attitudes towards people with mental disabilities or with a physical inability to communicate.

It ensures that the adult, their family, friends and advisers are able to devise a form of support, which meets their needs and provides them with the protection of the law.

All actions taken under the Act must:

• benefit the adult
• be the least restrictive option available
• take into account the adult’s present and past wishes
• take into account the views of the adult’s nearest relative and others near to him or her
• encourage the adult to use their skills in making decisions

More information is available on Social Work Services assessments

More information is available on support and services to carers and those looking after someone