What does "capacity" refer to in the context of guardianship?

In the context of guardianship, "capacity" specifically refers to an individual's ability to understand information relevant to a particular decision and to appreciate the consequences of that decision. This understanding is fundamental in assessing whether a person can make informed choices about their own welfare, including financial, medical, or personal matters.

Assessments of capacity are crucial in determining whether a guardian is necessary, as a lack of capacity indicates that an individual might not be able to effectively make decisions for themselves. Factors that are considered in evaluating capacity include cognitive abilities, emotional stability, and the nature of the decision at hand.

While the ability to manage finances independently is an important aspect of overall function and can be part of capacity assessments, capacity itself encompasses a broader range of understanding and decision-making skills. Additionally, age and legal requirements for guardianship pertain to eligibility and procedural aspects rather than the individual's cognitive abilities related to decision-making. Thus, defining capacity in terms of understanding information is central to the role and responsibility of guardianship.