The Act sets out a legal framework of how to act and make decisions on behalf of individual’s who lack capacity to make specific decisions for themselves

The Act sets out a legal framework of how to act and make decisions on behalf of individual’s who lack capacity to make specific decisions for themselves. The Act sets out some core principles and methods for making decisions and carrying out actions in relation to personal welfare, healthcare and financial matters affecting individuals who may lack capacity to make specific decisions about these issues for themselves.
The underlying idea of the Act is to ensure that any decision made, or action taken, on behalf of an individual who lacks the capacity to make the decision or act for themselves is made in their best interests. The Act is intended to assist and support individuals who may lack capacity and to discourage anyone who is involved in caring for someone who lacks capacity from being overly restrictive or controlling. But the Act also aims to balance an individual’s right to make decisions for themselves with their right to be protected from harm if they lack capacity to make decisions to protect themselves.