Mental Capacity Act 2005

Free MCA Learning Pack available here

We've designed a FREE Mental Capacity Act 2005 learning pack to help you learn more about the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and be able to run a course on it !

The introduction of the Mental Capacity Act in April and October 2007 put into law much of what had previously been seen as ‘good practice’. The Act provides clarity for staff and a protection for them provided they follow its guidance.

Staff from care homes for older people and those from domiciliary care agencies need to have a working knowledge of the Act so they can support people in their care who may lack the mental capacity to make some decisions.

They also need to have confidence and competence to challenge other people who may not be aware of the legislation, in support of their clients.

This learning pack will help them achieve this.

Register to download the Mental Capacity Act Learning Pack by creating an User Account.   If you've already got an MCA User Account, just login.

Registration is free, no-obligation, and not only gives you access to the free learning pack but also offers you the opportunity to sign up to our regular email about Mental Capacity issues affecting care of older people.

What are the aims of the learning pack?

The aims of the learning pack are to help learners gain:-

• an increased understanding of the provisions of the Mental Capacity Act 2005
• knowledge of their duties and responsibilities under the Mental Capacity Act 2005
• skills to document clearly the rationale, the process and the outcome of decision-making, when the person does not have the capacity to make a particular decision.
• an understanding of how complying with the Mental Capacity Act enhances a person-centred and dignified approach to care.

What outcome is expected from learners?

It is expected that learners will be able to recall and understand the following:

• the 5 key principles of the MCA
• the 2 stage test of capacity
• the 4 stage assessment of capacity
• the 5 stage summary of ‘best interests’ criteria

We call this the ‘The 5:2:4:5 aide memoire’

Who is the pack for?

The learning pack has been devised for a facilitator to use when teaching staff from care homes for older people and/or staff from domiciliary care agencies and nurses agencies.  The design of the learning materials and scenarios are for staff working with older people.

What role does the facilitator have and what skills are needed?

A facilitator is required to take the learners through the six sessions of the learning pack and to be proficient in the following learning/teaching methods:-

• facilitation of discussion in groups
• Power Point presentation or table-top display presenter
• Giving information
• Answering questions and referring to other documents for more information.

The facilitator will need to be knowledgeable on the subject matter and be able to answer questions. He/she will need to be familiar with the content and format of each session in advance and prepare for the session accordingly.

Experience in teaching staff from care homes and domiciliary care agencies will be an advantage, so that the teacher has an understanding of their work and the type of needs their clients have. A teaching qualification would be an advantage, but the course is designed to be uncomplicated and all the materials, except those listed below, are included in the pack.

What is the structure and use of the pack?

The learning pack is divided into six learning sessions, each lasting about one hour to one and a half hours. Although each session stands alone it is advised that the course is delivered on as few occasions as possible. It is possible to deliver the course over a one-day course, or two short days, including breaks. Additional guidance is given for this approach.

The pack is designed for teaching staff who work with older people in care homes and the community. This includes staff from care homes, domiciliary care agencies and from nurses’ agencies. It is possible to teach staff from these groups at once, as appropriate scenarios are provided. However, more time will be needed for each session, so that the issues for both care settings can be explored. It is also recommended that staff sit in groups from similar workplaces, ie care home or community.

The course is suitable for care home managers, providers, care staff, key workers and any other staff who may be involved in supporting older people in care homes or in the community, for example care managers, CQC inspectors, CPNs and district nurses.

Register to download the Mental Capacity Act Learning Pack by creating an User Account.   If you've already got an MCA User Account, just login.

Registration is free, no-obligation, and not only gives you access to the free learning pack but also offers you the opportunity to sign up to our regular email about Mental Capacity learning.

Note: Not every detailed aspect of the Mental Capacity Act is covered in this learning pack, for example, the relationship between the Mental Health 1983 and the Mental Capacity Act. The focus for this learning pack is on the aspects which staff will need to know in their day-to-day care of clients.