A Conceptual Model and Assessment Template for Capacity Evaluation in Adult Guardianship

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Bibliographic Details
Title: A Conceptual Model and Assessment Template for Capacity Evaluation in Adult Guardianship
Language: English
Authors: Moye, Jennifer, Butz, Steven W., Marson, Daniel C.
Source: Gerontologist. 2007 47(5):591-603.
Availability: Gerontological Society of America. 1030 15th Street NW Suite 250, Washington, DC 20005. Tel: 202-842-1275; Fax: 202-842-1150; e-mail: geron@geron.org; Web site: http://www.geron.org/journals/gsapub.htm
Peer Reviewed: Y
Physical Description: PDF
Page Count: 13
Publication Date: 2007
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Adult Education
Descriptors: Older Adults, Models, Competence, Dementia, Schematic Studies, Layout (Publications), Counselor Qualifications, Psychological Evaluation, Psychological Services, Test Construction, Concept Formation, Court Litigation, Gerontology
ISSN: 0016-9013
Abstract: Purpose: We develop a conceptual model and associated assessment template that is usable across state jurisdictions for evaluating the independent-living capacity of older adults in guardianship proceedings. Design and Methods: We used an iterative process in which legal provisions for guardianship and prevailing clinical practices for capacity assessment were integrated, through expert group consensus and external review by legal and health care professionals, to form a conceptual model and template. Results: The model and template provide a structure for conducting and documenting a capacity evaluation in guardianship by using six assessment domains of interest to the courts: (a) medical condition, (b) cognition, (c) functional abilities, (d) values, (e) risk of harm and level of supervision needed, and (f) means to enhance capacity. The template also addresses the participation of the person in the guardianship hearing, confidentiality and privilege issues, and certification by the examiner. An online version of the template can be adapted to address specific jurisdictional requirements. Implications: A conceptual model and evaluation template provide a useful cross-jurisdictional format for conducting and documenting capacity assessments of older adults in guardianship proceedings. The template may be particularly useful to clinicians for providing courts with information to support limited guardianship orders. (Contains 5 tables. The following is appended: Guardian Evaluation Template.) [This work was funded by The Borchard Foundation Center on Law and Aging and The Charles H. Farnsworth Trust.]
Abstractor: Author
Number of References: 42
Entry Date: 2007
Access URL: https://gerontologist.gerontologyjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/47/5/591
Accession Number: EJ779329
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Purpose: We develop a conceptual model and associated assessment template that is usable across state jurisdictions for evaluating the independent-living capacity of older adults in guardianship proceedings. Design and Methods: We used an iterative process in which legal provisions for guardianship and prevailing clinical practices for capacity assessment were integrated, through expert group consensus and external review by legal and health care professionals, to form a conceptual model and template. Results: The model and template provide a structure for conducting and documenting a capacity evaluation in guardianship by using six assessment domains of interest to the courts: (a) medical condition, (b) cognition, (c) functional abilities, (d) values, (e) risk of harm and level of supervision needed, and (f) means to enhance capacity. The template also addresses the participation of the person in the guardianship hearing, confidentiality and privilege issues, and certification by the examiner. An online version of the template can be adapted to address specific jurisdictional requirements. Implications: A conceptual model and evaluation template provide a useful cross-jurisdictional format for conducting and documenting capacity assessments of older adults in guardianship proceedings. The template may be particularly useful to clinicians for providing courts with information to support limited guardianship orders. (Contains 5 tables. The following is appended: Guardian Evaluation Template.) [This work was funded by The Borchard Foundation Center on Law and Aging and The Charles H. Farnsworth Trust.]
ISSN:0016-9013