Seniors suffering from cognitive deficits are at increased risk for abuse. When an opinion must be rendered as to the decision making capacity of an elderly individual, interdisciplinary collaboration is critical. 

Objectives: 1.) Explain the rationale for interdisciplinary collaboration when assessing for diminished capacity.

2.) Describe the investigative and legal roles of the office of adult protective services in assessing for abuse and neglect.

3.) Identify at least 2 cultural variables potentially impacting capacity assessment.

4.) Describe methods for attaining 3 critical components of capacity assessment, including ruling out reversible causes of cognitive deficits.

5.) Define at least 2 different kinds of capacity to be assessed.