Why does my relative/friend need an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate (IMCA)?
Independent Mental Capacity Advocates support people who aren’t able to make important decisions about their medical treatment, care, accommodation and other things – especially when they don’t have a family member or friend who can be there for them. When someone ‘lacks capacity’, we are in a position to represent their views to those who are currently working out their best interests.
If…
The following four things are true, an Independent Mental Capacity Advocate must be instructed by the person making the decision about capacity.
(1) Your relative/friend is aged 16 or over.
(2) A decision needs to be made about a serious medical treatment or long-term change in accommodation.
(3) They lack the ‘capacity’ to make that decision.
(4) There’s no appropriate person to consult who is independent of the professional services.
In this case, one of our advocates can be their representative, as well as ask questions on their behalf, so their views and wishes are taken into account.
More about making decisions for someone else
If…
Your relative/friend has been confined under Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (part of the Mental Capacity Act), this means specific freedoms are removed from them in their best interests, and assessment has concluded that they are not able to make important decisions about their own care and treatment. If they don’t have a relative or friend to support them, we can offer support.
More about making decisions for someone else
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