Information for carers and the people they support - Making decisions
It is important that you know what you can and cannot do legally to help someone decide whether to take part in screening.
The person can make their own decisions
If someone can make their own decisions about taking part in screening, it is their choice what they would like to do. They can tell you how best you can support them, and they can change their mind at any time.
The person can make their own decision sometimes
If someone can make their own decisions sometimes, there is a legal framework in place to check if they have the ability to do this. This legal framework is called the Mental Capacity Act (2005).
If the person is able to make decisions when they come for screening, it is their choice what they would like to do. They can tell you how best you can support them, and they can change their mind at any time.
The person cannot make decisions for themselves
If someone cannot make decisions for themselves there is a legal framework in place to check this. This legal framework is called the Mental Capacity Act (2005).
If you are supporting someone who cannot make decisions, we strongly advise you to contact the screening service before taking part. The service can discuss any individual needs and give you advice on the documents you must provide.
If the person cannot make the decision to take part in screening for themselves, the decision can only be made on their behalf if:
- the person has a lasting power of attorney for health and welfare in place, and
- screening staff will be able to advise on how a ‘best interests’ decision can be reached. You must contact us before taking part in screening so we can discuss this with you.
If the person cannot make the decision to take part in screening for themselves, we will not be able to screen them without a lasting power of attorney for health and welfare or a ‘best interests’ decision being reached and recorded.
Lasting power of attorney (LPA) for health and welfare
If you have a lasting power of attorney for health and welfare for the person you care for and they have been offered a screening appointment, you must bring the LPA document to their appointment. You will also need to bring your photographic identification, such as a valid passport or photo driving license.
You may have been issued with an activation key which links to your lasting power of attorney account. However, we cannot guarantee that WiFi is available in all screening clinics. If you cannot share the LPA document with us, you may need to rebook the appointment as we may not be able to screen the person without this.
If you have any questions about supporting someone who cannot make the decision to take part in screening for themselves, it is important that you contact the screening programme before taking part.
For more information about the Mental Capacity Act, visit Social Care Wales.
Page last reviewed: 21st February 2025