Mental Capacity Act 2005 What you need to know:
The 5 principles of the MCA are:
1. You must assume the person can make the decision until you have proof they cannot.
2. You must use every possible means to support the person make the decision themselves.
3. Do not assume the person does not have capacity to make decision/s just because they decide something that you think is unwise or wrong.
4. If you make a decision for someone who cannot make it themselves, the decision must always be in their best interests.
5. Any decisions, treatment or care for someone who lacks capacity must always follow the path that is the least restrictive of their basic rights and freedoms.