The role of capacity assessments in elder abuse investigations and guardianships.

Capacity evaluations of older adults assist in determining whether a situation should be considered elder/dependent adult abuse and which type of intervention is warranted. Capacity evaluations must integrate multiple sources of data and focus on functional abilities. Understanding the legal standard underlying the capacity needed for a specific decision is key in making a clinical opinion relevant in legal settings. Capacity evaluations for guardianships help to identify preserved abilities and make recommendations to enhance decisional and functional capacities that promote the dignity and independence of older adults.