Clients you work with may have a health condition that affects the way that they function from a cognitive point of view. Planning and sequencing, insight and judgement, memory, amongst other areas of the brain’s function can be impaired. There are some adaptive and remedial techniques available to improve occupational performance when a client’s cognition becomes impaired. Occupational Therapists need to consider how this may affect the client’s ability to make decisions regarding finance, health care and safe living. If the client’s capacity is under question, another person or professional body may take over decision making until the client improves or possibly for a longer term. This is known as guardianship. Consumer information relating to legal arrangements in the event of impaired decision making capacity can be found at https://www.qld.gov.au/law/legal-mediation-and-justice-of-the-peace/power-of-attorney-and-making-decisions-for-others/making-decisions-for-others
For more information regarding the guardianship boards in your state and capacity, the Department of Health and Aging is a good place to start.
