ABSTRACT
Mental capacity is not always stable, as it can change over time or in different situations. In cases where deterioration in capacity is possible or even likely, it is good practice to try and support a person to make any one-off decisions or involve him in advance care planning as early as possible when he is most likely to still have capacity. Capacity to make one-off decisions may also need to be re-assessed, especially if the person’s circumstances have changed. As with deteriorating conditions, it is good practice when writing the record of the capacity assessment to state that it is possible the person may regain capacity to make this decision in the future and, therefore, capacity may need to be re-assessed at a further date. Capacity is not necessarily stable and can change over time, either due to a deteriorating, improving or fluctuating underlying condition impacting on decision-making.
