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

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