A capacity evaluation assess an individual’s ability to make use practical use of attention, memory, and executive functioning. Until fairly recently, a capacity evaluation was known as a competency evaluation.
What is executive function?
Executive function describes a set of cognitive abilities that control and regulate other abilities and behaviors and are necessary for goal-directed behavior.
If, for some reason, our memory or executive functions are diminished or lost, it can be said that our capacity to function normally is compromised; we can become a danger to ourselves or others. There are a number of common acquired (e.g. traumatic brain injury or stroke) and progressive (e.g. dementia) conditions which may impact an individual’s capacity to meaningfully participate in personal or business financial matters, complex independent living tasks, and medical decision-making.
What constitutes a capacity evaluation?
While medical tests such as brain imaging are useful for identifying lesions and other brain changes, there is often a need for an evidence-based assessment of practical cognitive skills. Dr. Nowell’s two-part capacity evaluation specifically assesses crucial attention, memory, and executive skills by using neuropsychological testing as well as an interview-based assessment of the patient’s values and preferences. He evaluates the individual’s decision-making capacity and the presence of preserved (intact) and/or impaired functioning. In his report, he includes his findings and makes recommendations which family courts may find useful as they make decisions about guardianship, conservatorship, and other formal legal arrangements to support individuals with these limitations.
For more information or to schedule a capacity evaluation, call 508-579-7958.