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Independence Homes
provides epilepsy input at Mental Capacity Act awareness raising event Independence Homes director of care Dr Melanie MacLeod has taken part in an event sponsored by the Department of Health designed to raise awareness of issues raised by the Mental Capacity Act. The Act affects everyone aged 16 and over and provides a statutory framework to empower and protect people who may not be able to make decisions for themselves, for example, people with dementia, learning disabilities, mental health problems, stroke or brain injuries. Dr MacLeod participated in a podcast designed to help care managers, approved social workers, healthcare workers and anyone with an enduring power of attorney or receivership or trusteeship for an incapacitated person. The podcast aims to help people to identify incapacity in relation to particular groups, including those with brain injury, learning disabilities, epilepsy and autism. The panel consisted of a variety of eminent authorities, including legal experts, psychiatrists, neurologists and voluntary sector leaders. Dr MacLeod was invited to answer a number of questions relating to the implications the Mental Capacity Act may have for people with epilepsy and learning disabilities. Dr MacLeod said: “The unpredictable nature of epilepsy means that there will be times when people with the condition have brief or extended periods of loss of consciousness, reduced consciousness or disturbance in thinking. To an untrained observer, indeed even to a trained observer, these episodes may be missed. However it’s these episodes that may well impact upon the individual’s ability to make a decision. “Understanding the needs and wishes of adults who have epilepsy and learning disability can require considerable effort. It’s important to help them to make decisions by presenting information in a manner they understand so they can make informed decisions. “I’m delighted to have been part of this prestigious and important event.” The podcast can be accessed from the site of Care and Health Law, the legal consultancy, at: www.careandhealthlaw.com/Public/Information.aspx Independence Homes was formed in 1997 specifically to help people with epilepsy and learning difficulties to fulfill their potential and achieve their own objectives. Today, the company employs almost 200 staff and supports over 55 adults in both supported living programmes and community based residential care.
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Note to editors: for further information please contact David Josephs on 07890 555391
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