The third principle of unwise decisions is arguably the most important factor of the MCA (http://mentalcapacityresources.co.uk/principle-3.html), it states that we all have the ability, with the capacity to make decisions that other people may think are unwise. There is no definition of “unwise” within the MCA, so this relies on personal experiences, culture, values, as professional this also includes legal frameworks, policies, and procedures that define and regulate the practice. With regards to the case study, P had expressed that...
The third principle of unwise decisions is arguably the most important factor of the MCA (http://mentalcapacityresources.co.uk/principle-3.html), it states that we all have the ability, with the capacity to make decisions that other people may think are unwise. There is no definition of “unwise” within the MCA, so this relies on personal experiences, culture, values, as professional this also includes legal frameworks, policies, and procedures that define and regulate the practice. With regards to the case study, P had expressed that if he were to manage the direct payment himself, he would very likely spend the money on video games as opposed to his care. This would have been deemed as an unwise decision, however to P made a lot of sense. If he bought a new game, he is likely to spend the day playing the game, reducing some risks associated with him being home alone. This was his choice, and we all have the right to make unwise decisions, and I could not treat him as lacking capacity because of an unwise decision. However, where a person repeatedly makes unwise decisions which leave them at significant risk, or their unwise decision appears unreasonable or out of character, this may be of concern and warrant further investigation with the individual. Professionals needs to consider not just whether or not the adult has the capacity, but also whether there are other factors, such as whether the person is forced to decide by others.
