An afternoon seminar explains how vulnerable and older adults can have their voices heard
Sage, the support and advocacy service for vulnerable adults and older people, will hold a seminar on the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 in the West Cork Hotel, Skibbereen on the afternoon of May 24th.
Michael Cahillane, the Sage regional coordinator in Cork, told The Southern Star: ‘Many people face challenges to their independence due to the impact of illness or disability, and can be excluded from important decisions about their lives.’
He said the Sage Advocacy service is there to support vulnerable and older adults to have their ‘voice’ heard on issues that affect them, independently of their families or service providers.
He said the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act – which was signed into law in December 2015 – is expected to be enforced in 2019. And he said this legislation would support a person, who has diminished capacity, to make their own decisions.
Michael said they can – through an Advance Healthcare Directive and an Enduring Power of Attorney – make decisions in advance for a time when they may no longer be able to make decisions for themselves.
The Sage seminar will explore the background and principles of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act, the application of the principles of the legislation in practice, and the supports that are there for vulnerable adults and older people.
The event is likely to be of interest to health, social care, legal, and financial professionals, organisations concerned with the rights of vulnerable adults and older people, as well as members of the public who have an interest in this area.
The event will run from 1.30pm to 4pm on May 24th. For further information call 086 1831428 or 01 5367332.
