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POhWER advocates support people who have been deemed to lack mental capacity by a doctor or social worker.
>Lacking mental capacity means people think someone is unable to make key decisions about their life.
An advocate might support someone who doesn't have appropriate family or friends.
It is a person's legal right to be supported by an advocate if they are deemed to lack capacity and have no one else they can rely on.
An advocate will aim to understand a person views and beliefs and will use this to write a report about a person.
The report can then be used by doctors and decision-makers to reach a decision about care and treatment that they think is in the best interests of the person.
Sometimes an advocate will look at different options different to the ones the professionals have suggested.
The advocate will ensure the person is included in any decisions about them, and fight for their voice to be heard. IMCAs can challenge decisions made by doctors and social workers.
A person must be deemed to lack mental capacity.
AND...
There is to be a decision about serious medical treatment. This is when an NHS body gives, takes away or withholds treatment.
A decision about a change of accommodation is being made. This is when an NHS body or local council decides to move a person to a hospital or other accommodation.
A person is going through a Safeguarding procedure.
When a person is going through a safeguarding procedure they can have an advocate and family to support them.
An IMCA can support when someone is going through a care review – this means certain changes may be being made to their care plan.