Presentation of a model of social worker mental capacity decision making

This poster presentation provides a discussion of the findings of a research study that examined the perspectives of 17 social workers based in adult social care settings, carrying out Mental Capacity Assessments with people who have YOD. The findings from the research study reveal how social workers use the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) to make decisions. The findings highlight that a robust understanding of dementia and specifically YOD are salient for social workers in their practice using the MCA. As part of their understanding social workers draw on key issues of stigma, age discrimination and diagnosis to inform their mental capacity work. The findings also reveal collaborative working with other professionals, family members, carers and community organisations as well as contextual factors are relevant to their mental capacity work with people who have YOD. Conclusions draw attention to key issues for social workers and other health and social care professionals in their practice with people who have YOD. These include the importance of understanding the needs of people YOD which helps to promote the rights of people with YOD, as well as using collaborative working practices.