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Mental Capacity Explained: How to Assess, Support, and Advocate for Better Decision-Making
In this episode of Able to Care, Andy Baker is joined by Tim Farmer, a multi-award-winning mental capacity expert, author of Grandpa on a Skateboard, and co-founder of Comentis. With over 24 years of experience as a mental health nurse and more than 3,500 mental capacity assessments conducted, Tim brings deep insights into how we assess and understand decision-making abilities. This conversation explores the complexities of mental capacity, common misconceptions, and the importance of getting assessments right.
Whether you’re a carer, a healthcare professional, or someone keen to understand mental capacity law better, this episode provides essential knowledge on supporting decision-making with empathy and accuracy.
Sponsor
This episode is proudly sponsored by Carers Card UK, helping unpaid carers access discounts, resources, and support. Get yours today using our exclusive Able to Care promo code at CarersCardUK.com.
Resources Mentioned
📖 Grandpa on a Skateboard – Book
🌍 Comentis – Mental capacity assessment tools and support
📚 The Mental Capacity Act 2005 – Official UK Government Legislation
🎧 Able Hub – Online courses and resources for carers
Key Messages from This Episode
🧠 Mental capacity is decision-specific – A person may have the ability to make one decision but not another. Capacity must always be assessed in context.
⚖ Unwise decisions don’t equal incapacity – People have the right to make choices that others may see as risky or unwise; the key is whether they can understand and weigh the information.
💬 Good assessments require a holistic approach – Diagnosis alone doesn’t determine capacity. Communication style, emotional state, and environmental factors all play a role.
Key Timestamps
📌 [00:00] – Introduction to the episode and guest, Tim Farmer
📌 [03:15] – What is mental capacity, and why does it matter?
📌 [06:45] – The five core principles of the Mental Capacity Act
📌 [10:30] – How mental capacity is assessed: The two-stage test
📌 [14:20] – Understanding risky decisions vs. lacking capacity
📌 [18:55] – Common misconceptions about mental capacity assessments
📌 [23:10] – Real-world examples of mental capacity assessments
📌 [28:40] – How to support people with fluctuating capacity
📌 [32:15] – The role of communication in capacity assessments
📌 [37:05] – Positive risk-taking and balancing safety with independence
📌 [42:20] – How carers and professionals can advocate for individuals
📌 [47:50] – Final reflections and key takeaways from Tim
📌 [51:10] – Where to find more resources on mental capacity
Connect With Us on Social Media
🎧 Follow Able to Care for more insightful episodes:
📲 Instagram: @AbleToCarePodcast
📲 LinkedIn: @AbleTraining
📲 TikTok: @AbleToCare
📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for resources, expert insights, and upcoming episodes: AbleHub.uk
Looking for Mental Capacity Training?
Able Training provides specialist mental capacity training for care staff, legal professionals, and families. Whether you're looking for in-person workshops, e-learning, or accredited courses, we offer practical training to improve decision-making support and legal compliance.
📞 Contact us today to discuss your training needs: AbleTraining.co.uk
🚀 Book your course now and enhance your understanding of mental capacity!
🎓 Train-the-Trainer Course – Become a Certified Behavioural Trainer!
Are you passionate about teaching, training, and making a real impact? Do you want to upskill in positive behaviour support, de-escalation, and restraint training?
📢 Join our exclusive Train-the-Trainer course and take your expertise to the next level!
✅ Gain Level 3 certification in Positive Behaviour Support & De-escalation Training
✅ Learn hands-on techniques to manage challenging behaviours safely and effectively
✅ Enhance your career by becoming a certified trainer in high-demand training topics
✅ Boost your confidence in delivering engaging, practical, and impactful sessions
📍 Upcoming Course Dates & Booking:
📅 Reserve your spot now on Eventbrite
🔥 Limited spaces available! Don’t miss this opportunity to become an accredited trainer and empower others with evidence-based, person-centred techniques.
💡 Need more info? Visit AbleTraining.co.uk or contact us today!
View all episodes
By Able Training Support LtdIn this episode of Able to Care, Andy Baker is joined by Tim Farmer, a multi-award-winning mental capacity expert, author of Grandpa on a Skateboard, and co-founder of Comentis. With over 24 years of experience as a mental health nurse and more than 3,500 mental capacity assessments conducted, Tim brings deep insights into how we assess and understand decision-making abilities. This conversation explores the complexities of mental capacity, common misconceptions, and the importance of getting assessments right.
Whether you’re a carer, a healthcare professional, or someone keen to understand mental capacity law better, this episode provides essential knowledge on supporting decision-making with empathy and accuracy.
Sponsor
This episode is proudly sponsored by Carers Card UK, helping unpaid carers access discounts, resources, and support. Get yours today using our exclusive Able to Care promo code at CarersCardUK.com.
Resources Mentioned
📖 Grandpa on a Skateboard – Book
🌍 Comentis – Mental capacity assessment tools and support
📚 The Mental Capacity Act 2005 – Official UK Government Legislation
🎧 Able Hub – Online courses and resources for carers
Key Messages from This Episode
🧠 Mental capacity is decision-specific – A person may have the ability to make one decision but not another. Capacity must always be assessed in context.
⚖ Unwise decisions don’t equal incapacity – People have the right to make choices that others may see as risky or unwise; the key is whether they can understand and weigh the information.
💬 Good assessments require a holistic approach – Diagnosis alone doesn’t determine capacity. Communication style, emotional state, and environmental factors all play a role.
Key Timestamps
📌 [00:00] – Introduction to the episode and guest, Tim Farmer
📌 [03:15] – What is mental capacity, and why does it matter?
📌 [06:45] – The five core principles of the Mental Capacity Act
📌 [10:30] – How mental capacity is assessed: The two-stage test
📌 [14:20] – Understanding risky decisions vs. lacking capacity
📌 [18:55] – Common misconceptions about mental capacity assessments
📌 [23:10] – Real-world examples of mental capacity assessments
📌 [28:40] – How to support people with fluctuating capacity
📌 [32:15] – The role of communication in capacity assessments
📌 [37:05] – Positive risk-taking and balancing safety with independence
📌 [42:20] – How carers and professionals can advocate for individuals
📌 [47:50] – Final reflections and key takeaways from Tim
📌 [51:10] – Where to find more resources on mental capacity
Connect With Us on Social Media
🎧 Follow Able to Care for more insightful episodes:
📲 Instagram: @AbleToCarePodcast
📲 LinkedIn: @AbleTraining
📲 TikTok: @AbleToCare
📩 Subscribe to our newsletter for resources, expert insights, and upcoming episodes: AbleHub.uk
Looking for Mental Capacity Training?
Able Training provides specialist mental capacity training for care staff, legal professionals, and families. Whether you're looking for in-person workshops, e-learning, or accredited courses, we offer practical training to improve decision-making support and legal compliance.
📞 Contact us today to discuss your training needs: AbleTraining.co.uk
🚀 Book your course now and enhance your understanding of mental capacity!
🎓 Train-the-Trainer Course – Become a Certified Behavioural Trainer!
Are you passionate about teaching, training, and making a real impact? Do you want to upskill in positive behaviour support, de-escalation, and restraint training?
📢 Join our exclusive Train-the-Trainer course and take your expertise to the next level!
✅ Gain Level 3 certification in Positive Behaviour Support & De-escalation Training
✅ Learn hands-on techniques to manage challenging behaviours safely and effectively
✅ Enhance your career by becoming a certified trainer in high-demand training topics
✅ Boost your confidence in delivering engaging, practical, and impactful sessions
📍 Upcoming Course Dates & Booking:
📅 Reserve your spot now on Eventbrite
🔥 Limited spaces available! Don’t miss this opportunity to become an accredited trainer and empower others with evidence-based, person-centred techniques.
💡 Need more info? Visit AbleTraining.co.uk or contact us today!