Anglim Private Health is a private GP surgery in Bury St Edmunds
We are able to provide capacity assessments, and if you need a capacity assessment you can organise it quickly and at a conveniently. In most instances we can see you on the same or next day and if you want an appointment early in the morning, late in the evening or on the weekend, that can be accommodated.
What is a capacity assessment?
A capacity assessment is when a trained clinician assesses and records if you have the skills and ability to make a particular decision. It is commonly done at the time of making big decisions such as preparing a power of attorney, selling a home or writing a will.
How do I know if I need a capacity assessment?
It is normally a solicitor who will ask you to organise a capacity assessment during a legal process. We would only suggest you organise one if your solicitor thinks it is necessary. There are two main reasons why a solicitor might suggest one:
- If there is some concern about your ability to make decisions. For example if there are some minor memory problems, organising a capacity assessment reassures everyone that you are able to make a decision.
- If the decisions you are making is contentious or likely to cause upset. In particular when making a will, if someone is disappointed with your decisions they may try to argue against them after you have passed away. One of the most common arguments is that you were not able to make decisions when you wrote your will and you are not going the be able to argue your case when you are not around. The best way of preventing that argument is to have evidence that a doctor assessed your ability to make the decision at the time and has provided a written certificate to confirm that.
Can my NHS GP do my capacity assessment?
Many NHS GPs can accommodate capacity assessments, but they are not part of their NHS contract and they will charge you for that process. Our prices are very similar to the prices charged by local NHS GPs. It is entirely appropriate that NHS GPs prioritise their NHS contracted work, so sometimes organising an appointment for a capacity assessment with an NHS GP can be difficult, time consuming and involve a wait.
Are capacity assessments difficult?
No. We are not trying to catch you out and it is not the same as an exam. It is more like a chat to a friendly doctor who will discuss the process you are conducting and make sure you fully understand it. They may ask you why you are making a will and who will be included, or ask why you are doing a power of attorney; that is not to be nosey, but checking that you understand the process. The doctor may ask a few very simple memory questions, like do you know the date and which town you are in. They may ask about your medical history and what medications you take, so it might be helpful to bring a list. The whole assessment will take 30 minutes or less and you will normally get a written report on the same day.
What can Anglim Private Health offer?
We can offer a capacity assessment which can be booked quickly and efficiently. We can see you at our clinic in Bury St Edmunds the same day or next day, or if you prefer to plan ahead we can book a day in advance. If you need a home visit for a capacity assessment, we can organise that too. We charge the following for capacity assessments:
Capacity assessment for a Lasting Power of Attorney (Health & Welfare or Property & Finances) – £130
Capacity assessment for Lasting Power of Attorney (Both Health & Welfare and Property & Finances) – £200
Other capacity assessment including for a will – £150
Home visit capacity assessment – Add £100
I’ve been told I need a capacity assessment, what shall I do now?
Give us a call on 01284 245665. Alternatively email us on doctors@anglimhealth.co.uk and we can get you booked in directly. Alternatively you can ask your solicitor to email us the exact details of what they are looking for.