title: Undertaking capacity assessments for people with dementia in general hospitals.
abstract: Ensuring that older patients are discharged from hospital in a safe and appropriate manner is a fundamental aspect of nursing care. However, it is clear from the literature and clinical practice that determining people's capacity and whether they are able to decide where they live on discharge is a significant challenge. There is variation in practice despite the legal framework provided by the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005, covering England and Wales, which raises questions about adherence to the legislation. Using a case study, this article explores aspects of the MCA and clinical practice that affect older patients' outcomes on discharge from general hospital settings. It demonstrates how effective multidisciplinary working, using the legal frameworks available, can ensure that an individual's independence and well-being are maintained.
authors: Solent NHS Trust/Health Education Wessex, Winchester.
authors: Aileen
authors: A
authors: Murray
mesh_terms: D060825:Cognitive Dysfunction / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D003704:Dementia / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D004739:England; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006769:Hospitals, General; D006801:Humans; D016743:Mental Competency / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000523:psychology; D008605:Mental Health Services; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D010351:Patient Discharge; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014852:Wales
keywords: cognitive impairment; dementia; discharge; general hospitals; mental capacity; older people