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Red Flags That May Indicate Diminished Capacity in the Orlando, Florida Area

There is no single marker of diminished capacity, but there are red flags that may indicate problems. You should be aware of cognitive, emotional, or behavioral signs such as memory loss, communication problems, lack of mental flexibility, calculation problems, and disorientation. To determine if the issue is cognitive, you need to make sure the person is not experiencing grief, depression, reversible medical conditions, hearing or vision loss.   

If there are more than mild problems, you may want to encourage your friend or loved one to be evaluated by a physician. If your friend or loved one is willing, you could have them obtain an evaluation by a psychologist or psychiatrist to determine capacity. Also, you could consult a geriatrician, geriatric psychiatrist, forensic psychologist, geropsychologist, neuropsychologist, neurologist, or geriatric assessment team. A clinician can clarify whether the person has capacity issues. Such an evaluation can pinpoint the problem areas, if any exist. 

If your friend or loved one allows it, provide the evaluator with any known medical and functional information about the person, the living situation and any environmental/social factors that may affect capacity, as well as the person’s values and preferences. Review the administered test and the extent to which the test results are considered valid, a summary of test results with scores and performance ranges, a diagnosis or opinion on the question of capacity, and any recommendations for clinical actions to treat symptoms. 

Now that you have a better understanding of your friend or loved one’s situation, you will be better able to assist them regarding this matter. You will be able to take protective action to help your friend or loved one. Your friend or loved one may need someone to come into their house to help them with ordinary living functions. You or your family members may need to spend more time than usual with your loved one. There may need to be discussion with your loved one on whether or not they should be driving. Because of these tests, you now have a better understanding of how to deal with these issues. For further information, you can reach out to organizations and support groups in the community.

If you have more questions regarding a Capacity issue matter, you may call Ann Marie Giordano Gilden at Ann Marie Giordano Gilden, P.A. at 407-732-7620 and set an initial consultation. You may also visit my website at: AnnMarieGildenLaw.com; and check me out on these other sites: Ann Marie Giordano Gilden on Facebook; Ann Marie (Giordano) Gilden on LinkedIn; and Ann Marie Giordano Gilden on AVVO and Lawyers.com. 

This article is for informational purposes only, and it does not form an attorney client privilege.