Mental Capacity - Dorset Council

Mental Capacity Act 2005

The Mental Capacity Act (MCA) is a law that protects the rights of people aged 16 and over. It enables them to make their own decisions wherever possible. It also adds a safety net for those who are unable to make a specific decision due to a mental disorder.

Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLs)

The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) comes under the Mental Capacity Act. They apply to people who lack mental capacity who live in a hospital, care home or nursing home.

Power of Attorney

A Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you (the ‘donor’) appoint one or more people (known as ‘attorneys’) to help you make decisions or to make decisions on your behalf.

This gives you more control over what happens to you if you have an accident or an illness and cannot make your own decisions (you ‘lack mental capacity’).

Guide to setting up a Lasting Power of Attorney

See GOV.UK to find out how to make, register or end a Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA)..
Guide to completing Power of Attorney forms

Office of the Public Guardian can guide you in filling out the forms.
Age UK Factsheet about Power of Attorney

Arrange for other people to make decisions about your finances, health and care

Easy Read

People who lack capacity - easy read format

Information for professionals

See more about the Mental Capacity Act 2005 including training, our annual conference, forms and the Court of Protection.

Contact us

Mental Capacity Act (MCA) Team

Name: Mental Capacity Act Team
Email: mcateam@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01305 225650 (Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm and Friday 9am to 4pm)
Full contact details

Is there anything wrong with this page?